UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of February, 2023.

 

Commission File Number: 001-11960

 

AstraZeneca PLC

 

1 Francis Crick Avenue
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge CB2 0AA
United Kingdom

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F:
xForm 40-F: ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

In connection with the issuance by AstraZeneca Finance LLC of $1,100,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2028, $650,000,000 4.900% Fixed Rate Notes due 2030 and $500,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2033, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by AstraZeneca PLC, AstraZeneca PLC is filing the following documents solely for incorporation into the Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-256406):

 

Exhibit List

 

Exhibit No. Description
1.1 Underwriting Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2023, among AstraZeneca PLC, AstraZeneca Finance LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC as representatives of the underwriters.
1.2 Pricing Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2023, among AstraZeneca PLC, AstraZeneca Finance LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC as representatives of the underwriters.
4.1 Officers’ Certificate pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture setting forth the terms of and including forms of the global notes for the $1,100,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2028, $650,000,000 4.900% Fixed Rate Notes due 2030 and $500,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2033.
5.1 Opinion of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.
5.2 Opinion of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC

Date: March 3, 2023 By: /s/ Adrian Kemp
    Name: Adrian Kemp
    Title: Company Secretary

 

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Exhibit 1.1

 

EXECUTION Version

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

Debt Securities

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

February 28, 2023

 

To the Representatives of the several Underwriters

named from time to time in Schedule I to the applicable Pricing Agreement

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

From time to time AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“AZ Finance” or the “Issuer”) and AstraZeneca PLC, a company organized under the laws of England (the “Company”), propose to enter into a Pricing Agreement (the “Pricing Agreement”) substantially in the form of Annex I hereto, with such additions and deletions as the parties thereto may determine, and subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, whereby the Issuer issues and sells to the firms named in Schedule I to the applicable Pricing Agreement (such firms constituting the “Underwriters” with respect to such Pricing Agreement and the securities specified therein), certain of the Issuer’s debt securities (the “Notes”), with the Company to guarantee the debt securities to be issued by AZ Finance (such guarantee, the “Guarantee” and together with the Notes, the “Securities”), as specified in Schedule II to such Pricing Agreement (with respect to such Pricing Agreement, including any Guarantee thereof, the “Designated Securities”).

 

The terms and rights of any particular issuance of Designated Securities by AZ Finance and Guarantee by the Company shall be as specified in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto and pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Indenture”), among AZ Finance, the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Trustee”).

 

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understanding (whether written or oral) among the Issuer and the Underwriters, or any Underwriter, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

 

 

 

1.            Particular sales of Designated Securities may be made from time to time to the Underwriters of such Securities, for whom the firm(s) designated as representative(s) of the Underwriters of such securities in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto will act as representatives (the “Representatives”). The term “Representatives” also refers to the firm(s) acting as representative(s) of the Underwriters and to Underwriters who act without any firm being designated as their representative. This Underwriting Agreement shall not be construed as an obligation of AZ Finance or the Company to sell any of the Securities or as an obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities. The obligation of AZ Finance or the Company to issue and sell any of the Securities and the obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase any of the Securities shall be evidenced by the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities specified therein. Each Pricing Agreement shall specify the aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities, the initial public offering price of such Designated Securities, the purchase price to the Underwriters of such Designated Securities, the names of the Underwriters of such Designated Securities, the names of the Representatives of such Underwriters and the aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter and shall set forth the date, time and manner of delivery of such Designated Securities and payment therefor. The Pricing Agreement shall also specify (to the extent not set forth in the Indenture and the registration statement and prospectus with respect thereto) the terms of such Designated Securities. A Pricing Agreement shall be in the form of an executed writing (which may be in counterparts), and may be evidenced by an exchange of telegraphic or electronic communications or any other rapid transmission device designed to produce a written record of communications transmitted. The obligations of the Underwriters under this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be several and not joint.

 

2.            AZ Finance and the Company, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, each of the Underwriters of the Notes offered by AZ Finance that:

 

(a)          The registration statement on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-256406) in respect of the Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”); such registration statement and any amendments thereto filed prior to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement, excluding exhibits to such registration statement, but including all documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus contained therein, became effective on filing with the Commission in such form; the base prospectus filed as part of such registration statement, in the form in which it has most recently been filed with the Commission on or prior to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement, is hereafter called the “Basic Prospectus”; any preliminary prospectus relating to the Designated Securities (including any preliminary prospectus supplement) included in such registration statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), being hereinafter called a “Preliminary Prospectus”; the various parts of such registration statement, including all exhibits thereto and the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus contained in such registration statement, at the time such parts became effective, but excluding Form T-1 and including any prospectus supplement relating to the Designated Securities that is filed with the Commission and deemed by virtue of Rule 430B under the Act to be part of such registration statement, each as amended at the time such part of the registration statement became effective being hereinafter called the “Registration Statement”; “Applicable Time” is the time specified as such in the applicable Pricing Agreement; “Effective Date” shall mean each date and time that the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments or amendments thereto became or becomes effective; any reference herein to the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (as defined below) shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 6 of Form F-3 under the Act, as of the date of such Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, and any post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement; any reference to any amendment or supplement to the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after the date of such Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and incorporated by reference in such Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment to the Registration Statement shall be deemed to refer to and include any annual report of the Company filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement; the Basic Prospectus, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Designated Securities filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof, including any documents incorporated by reference therein as of the date of such filing, is hereinafter called the “Prospectus”; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission and no order preventing or suspending the use of the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or the Pricing Disclosure Package (as defined below) together with any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 under the Act relating to the Designated Securities (an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission;

 

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(b)          The documents incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuer by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, as the case may be, relating to such Securities; and no such documents will have been filed with the Commission following the Commission’s close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement and prior to the execution of the applicable Pricing Agreement, except as set forth on Schedule III to the applicable Pricing Agreement;

 

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(c)          The Registration Statement and the Prospectus conform, and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects, to the requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto do not and will not, as of the applicable Effective Date, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, not misleading; and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto do not and will not, as of its date and as of the Time of Delivery (as defined below), contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to (i) any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuer by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities or (ii) that part of the Registration Statement which shall constitute the statement of eligibility and qualification (Form T-1) under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

(d)          (i) The Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus, if any, used most recently prior to the Applicable Time, as supplemented by the final term sheet prepared and filed pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof as of the Applicable Time and listed on Schedule IV to the applicable Pricing Agreement together with the Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed in Schedule III (if any) to the applicable Pricing Agreement and any other free writing prospectus that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the Pricing Disclosure Package (collectively, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”) and (ii) each electronic road show, if any, when taken together as a whole with the Pricing Disclosure Package, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Schedule III (if any) to the applicable Pricing Agreement will not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus, if any, used most recently prior to the Applicable Time or the Prospectus; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to (i) any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuer by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Pricing Disclosure Package or (ii) that part of the Registration Statement which shall constitute the statement of eligibility and qualification (Form T-1) under the Trust Indenture Act;

 

(e)          The Issuer is not, and will not be at the time of the Pricing Agreement, an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Act;

 

(f)           The consolidated financial statements (and the notes thereto) and schedules, if any, of the Company incorporated by reference in or filed with and as a part of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position as of the respective dates and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods covered thereby of the Company, in conformity with applicable generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved;

 

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(g)          Since the latest date as of which information is given in the Pricing Disclosure Package, there has not been any material adverse change in the consolidated shareholders’ equity or consolidated long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or any material adverse change, or any development reasonably likely to result in a prospective material adverse change in or affecting the financial position, shareholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package;

 

(h)          The Company and AZ Finance have been duly organized and are validly existing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, are duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which their respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of their respective businesses requires such qualification, and have all power and authority necessary to own or hold their respective properties and to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged, except where the failure to be so qualified or have such power or authority would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, shareholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as a whole;

 

(i)           To the best of AZ Finance’s and the Company’s knowledge, after due inquiry, and other than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no material legal or governmental or regulatory proceedings pending or threatened to which AZ Finance, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of AZ Finance, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries is the subject that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and are not so described and there are no statutes or regulations that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and are not so described;

 

(j)           The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and AZ Finance;

 

(k)          The Designated Securities have been duly authorized and, when executed and authenticated (in the case of the Notes) or issued (in the case of the Guarantee), as the case may be, in accordance with the Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters, will constitute valid and binding obligations of AZ Finance and the Company entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture; the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and AZ Finance and (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee), constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company and AZ Finance, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability; the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act; and the Designated Securities conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented.

 

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(l)           The issue and sale of the Designated Securities and the compliance by AZ Finance and the Company with the Indenture, this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities and the consummation by AZ Finance and the Company of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not contravene (x) any of the terms or provisions of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other similar agreement or instrument to which AZ Finance or the Company is a party or by which AZ Finance or the Company is bound, or (y) any statute of the United States or the United Kingdom or any political subdivision thereof, or any order, rule or regulation known to AZ Finance or the Company of any court or of any governmental agency or body in the United States or the United Kingdom or any political subdivision thereof, except in the case of clauses (x) and (y) above for such contraventions which would not affect the validity or binding nature of the Designated Securities or have a material adverse effect on the financial position, shareholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as a whole;

 

(m)         No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or any governmental agency or body described in (l) above is required for the issue and sale of the Designated Securities by AZ Finance or the Company in the manner contemplated herein or the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement or the Indenture except as may be required by the Securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Designated Securities;

 

(n)          Each of AZ Finance and the Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

(o)          PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which has audited certain of the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as specified under the heading “Experts” in the Registration Statement, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company as required by the Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;

 

(p)          Each of AZ Finance, the Company and their respective subsidiaries maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are effective;

 

(q)          The operations of the each of AZ Finance, the Company and their respective subsidiaries, are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements and in compliance with, in all material respects, the money laundering statutes and the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), insofar as they apply, and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving AZ Finance, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries, with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of AZ Finance or the Company, threatened;

 

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(r)           None of AZ Finance, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of AZ Finance or the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of AZ Finance, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries, (i) is currently designated on, or owned or controlled (as interpreted under any relevant Sanctions) by any individual or entity designated on, any sanctions list issued under any trade, economic or financial sanctions, laws, regulations, embargoes or restrictive measures administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department, the European Union, any European Union member state, the Security Council of the United Nations or His Majesty’s Treasury (collectively “Sanctions”), nor (ii) has, to the knowledge of AZ Finance or the Company, violated or is violating any Sanctions; and none of AZ Finance or the Company will use the proceeds of the offering of the Notes, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, that is the subject of Sanctions or for any purpose that would cause AZ Finance, the Company or Underwriters to violate Sanctions. Any provision of this Section 2(r) shall not apply if and to the extent that it is or would be unenforceable by reason of breach of (i) EU Regulation (EC) 2271/96 (as amended) or any law or regulation implementing such regulation in any member state of the European Union or the United Kingdom or (ii) any similar blocking or anti-boycott law and, in such case, the enforceability of this Section 2(r) shall not otherwise be affected; and

 

(s)          Except as may be determined with respect to the matters under investigation described in the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the Commission on February 9, 2023 and incorporated by reference into the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Company’s Form 20-F filed with the Commission on February 21, 2023 and incorporated by reference into the Pricing Disclosure Package, each of AZ Finance, the Company and their respective subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in all material respects in compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 and all other applicable anti-bribery and corruption laws and has instituted and maintained policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws.

 

3.            Upon the execution of the Pricing Agreement applicable to any Designated Securities and authorization by the Representatives of the release of such Designated Securities, the several Underwriters propose to offer such Designated Securities for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented.

 

4.            Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter pursuant to the Pricing Agreement relating thereto, in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request upon at least forty-eight hours’ prior notice to the Company, shall be delivered by or on behalf of AZ Finance and the Company to the Representatives for the account of such Underwriter at the office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, against payment by such Underwriter or on its behalf of the purchase price therefor in same day funds, payable to the order of AZ Finance in the funds specified in such Pricing Agreement, all at the place and time and date specified in such Pricing Agreement or at such other place and time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing, such time and date being herein called the “Time of Delivery” for such Securities. The Securities will be delivered by AZ Finance or the Company, as the case may be, to the Representatives in the form of one or more global Securities, representing all of the Securities, which will be registered in the name of a nominee for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and deposited on behalf of the Underwriters with Cede & Co. as custodian for DTC, for credit to the respective participant accounts of the Underwriters unless otherwise directed by you. Such global Securities will be made available for checking at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery through the facilities of DTC.

 

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5.            AZ Finance and the Company, jointly and severally, agree with each of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities:

 

(a)          To prepare in consultation with the Representatives the Prospectus, as amended and supplemented in relation to the applicable Designated Securities, in a form approved by the Representatives, which approval the Representatives agree they will not unreasonably withhold, and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than the Commission’s close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement relating to the applicable Designated Securities or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 424(b); to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus (as each may have been amended or supplemented) after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to such Securities and prior to the Time of Delivery without prior consultation with the Representatives for such Securities; to advise the Representatives promptly of any such amendment or supplement after such Time of Delivery and furnish the Representatives with copies thereof; if requested by you prior to the Applicable Time, to prepare a final term sheet, containing solely a description of the Designated Securities, in a form substantially as set forth in Schedule V to the applicable Pricing Agreement and which shall be attached to the applicable Pricing Agreement and approved by the Representatives, and to file such term sheet pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act within the time required by such Rule; to file promptly all other material required to be filed by AZ Finance or the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act; to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by AZ Finance or the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act for so long as the delivery of a prospectus (or, in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required in connection with the offering or sale of such Designated Securities, and during such same period to advise the Representatives, promptly after AZ Finance or the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed with the Commission, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Securities, of the suspension of the qualification of such Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order or of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Securities or suspending any such qualification, to use promptly its reasonable best efforts to obtain its withdrawal;

 

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(b)          Promptly from time to time to use its reasonable best efforts to qualify such Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably request and to pay all expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) in connection with such qualification and in connection with the determination of the eligibility of such Securities for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of such Securities; provided, however, that in connection therewith neither AZ Finance nor the Company shall be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction or to take any other action which would subject it to service of process in suits in any jurisdiction or to subject it to taxation in any jurisdiction other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Designated Securities in such jurisdiction;

 

(c)          To furnish the Underwriters, without charge, with a copy of the Registration Statement, with copies of the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, including the exhibits and materials, if any, incorporated by reference therein, in such quantities as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus is required (or, in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) at any time prior to the expiration of nine months after the time of issue of the Prospectus in connection with the offering or sale of the Designated Securities and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus (or, in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act, the Exchange Act or the Trust Indenture Act, to notify the Representatives and upon their request to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many copies as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; provided, however, if any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus in connection with sales of any of the Designated Securities at any time nine months or more after the time of issue of the Prospectus, upon their request but at the expense of such Underwriter, to prepare and deliver to such Underwriter as many copies as the Representatives may request of an amended or supplemented Prospectus complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;

 

(d)          To make generally available to the Company’s security holders and to the Representatives as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than eighteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158); and

 

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(e)          During the period beginning from the date of the Pricing Agreement for such Designated Securities and continuing to and including the earlier of (i) the termination of trading restrictions for such Designated Securities, as notified to AZ Finance and the Company by the Representatives and (ii) the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of AZ Finance or the Company which mature more than one year after such Time of Delivery and which are denominated in U.S. dollars and substantially similar to such Designated Securities, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The foregoing restrictions do not apply to any offer, sale, contract to sell or other disposition of the debt securities of AZ Finance or the Company pursuant to the Company’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

6.            (a)            Each Underwriter represents and agrees that it shall not use, refer to or distribute any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, a “Free Writing Prospectus”) except:

 

(i)           a Free Writing Prospectus that (1) is not an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and (2) contains only information describing the preliminary terms of the Securities or their offering or otherwise permitted under Rule 134 under the Act;

 

(ii)          a Free Writing Prospectus as shall be agreed in writing with AZ Finance and the Company that is not distributed, used or referenced by such Underwriter in a manner reasonably designed to lead to its broad unrestricted dissemination (including any electronic road show) unless AZ Finance and the Company consent to such dissemination and such Free Writing Prospectus is listed on Schedule VI to the applicable Pricing Agreement; provided that an Underwriter’s internal communications with its own sales force shall not be covered by this clause (ii); and

 

(b)          Notwithstanding Section 6(a) above, AZ Finance and the Company hereby agree that the Underwriters may distribute to investors one or more Free Writing Prospectus that contain only the final terms of the Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in the format of Bloomberg communications) substantially in the form set forth in Schedule V to the applicable Pricing Agreement and that such Free Writing Prospectus substantially in the form set forth in Schedule V to the applicable Pricing Agreement will be filed by the Company in accordance with Rule 433(d) under the Act and shall be considered an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(c)          Each of AZ Finance and the Company agrees that, unless it has obtained or will obtain the prior written consent of the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) required to be filed by AZ Finance or the Company with the Commission or retained by AZ Finance or the Company under Rule 433 under the Act; provided that the prior written consent of the parties hereto shall be deemed to have been given in respect of the Free Writing Prospectus included in Schedule III to the applicable Pricing Agreement. Any such Free Writing Prospectus consented to by the Representatives is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” Each of AZ Finance and the Company agrees that (i) it has treated and will treat, as the case may be, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (including the final terms of the Securities as set forth in Schedule V to the applicable Pricing Agreement) as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and (ii) it has complied and will comply, as the case may be, with the requirements of Rules 164 and 433 under the Act applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including in respect of timely filing with the Commission, legending and record keeping.

 

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(d)          Each of AZ Finance and the Company agrees that if at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus any event occurred or occurs as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus would conflict with the information in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then prevailing, not misleading, AZ Finance and the Company will give prompt notice thereof to the Representatives and, if requested by the Representatives, will prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or other document which will correct such conflict, statement or omission; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions in an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to AZ Finance and the Company by an Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

 

7.            AZ Finance and the Company, jointly and severally, covenant and agree with the several Underwriters that AZ Finance and the Company will, jointly and severally, pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) except as provided in the proviso to Section 5(c) hereof, the fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel of AZ Finance and the Company and accountants of the Company in connection with the registration of the Designated Securities under the Act and the qualification of any indenture related to the Designated Securities under the Trust Indenture Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto, the Pricing Disclosure Package and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or producing any Agreement among Underwriters, this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any indenture related to the Designated Securities, any Blue Sky and legal investment memoranda and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Designated Securities; (iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Designated Securities for offering and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 5(b) hereof, including the reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky and legal investment surveys; (iv) any fees charged by securities rating services for rating the Designated Securities; (v) any filing fees incident to any required review by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority of the terms of the sale of the Designated Securities; (vi) the cost of preparing the Securities and of the delivery of the Designated Securities to the Underwriters, including any issue, stamp, transfer or similar taxes thereon; (vii) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and any agent of the Trustee and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Trustee in connection with the Indenture and the Securities; and (viii) except as provided in the proviso to Section 5(c) hereof, all reasonable other costs and expenses incident to the performance of their obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. It is understood, however, that, except as provided in this Section 7, Section 9 and Section 13 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel, transfer taxes on the initial sale or any resale of any of the Designated Securities by them, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.

 

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8.            The obligations of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities shall be subject, in the discretion of the Representatives, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of AZ Finance and the Company in or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities are, at and as of the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, true and correct in all material respects, the condition that AZ Finance and the Company shall have performed all of their respective obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed and the following additional conditions:

 

(a)          The final term sheet contemplated by Section 5(a) hereof in relation to the applicable Designated Securities, and any other material required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433 under the Act in relation to the applicable Designated Securities shall have been filed within the applicable time period prescribed for such filings by Rule 433 under the Act and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to the applicable Designated Securities shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission and no order suspending or preventing the use of the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, any documents which are part of the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to the Representatives’ reasonable satisfaction;

 

(b)          Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, United States counsel for the Underwriters, shall have furnished to the Representatives such opinion or opinions, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, with respect to the validity of the Indenture, the Designated Securities, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters (such counsel being entitled to state that they have assumed that any document referred to in their opinion and executed by AZ Finance or the Company has been duly authorized, executed and delivered pursuant to English law and, as to all matters of English law, their opinion is given in reliance upon, and is subject to the qualifications set forth in, the opinion of counsel for AZ Finance and the Company required by subsection (c) of this Section 8);

 

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(c)          Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, English counsel for AZ Finance and the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives a written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives (such counsel being entitled to state that such counsel has made no investigation of the laws of any country other than England and that such counsel’s opinion is confined to matters of English law and, as to all matters governed by the laws of the United States and the State of New York, such opinion is given in reliance upon, and is subject to the qualifications set forth in, the opinion required by subsection (e) of this Section 8), substantially to the effect that:

 

(i)           The Company has been duly incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 1985, as amended, and registered in England and Wales as a public limited company and the Company Search and Winding-up Enquiry revealed no application, petition, order or resolution for the administration or winding-up of the Company and no notice of appointment of, or intention to appoint, a receiver or administrator in respect of the Company within the period covered by such enquiries;

 

(ii)          The Company has the requisite corporate capacity to enter into this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement, the Indenture, the Guarantee and the Company officers’ certificates (the “Issue Documents”), to issue the Guarantee and to perform its obligations under them;

 

(iii)         The execution of the Issue Documents and the Guarantee has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company;

 

(iv)         The Underwriting Agreement, the Pricing Agreement and the Company officers’ certificates have been duly executed by the Company and the consent to service of process contained in Section 19 of the Underwriting Agreement is effective as a matter of English law;

 

(v)          The compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Issue Documents and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated therein (in accordance with the terms of the Issue Documents) do not and will not of themselves result in any violation by the Company of any term of its Articles of Association, or of any law or regulation having the force of law in England and applicable to the Company;

 

(vi)         No consents, licenses, approvals or authorizations of, or registrations or filings with, any governmental or regulatory authority or agency in the United Kingdom are required by law by the Company in connection with the entry into the Guarantee by the Company in the manner contemplated by the Issue Documents and the prospectus supplement dated February 28, 2023 and filed with the Commission on February 28, 2023 (the “Prospectus Supplement”) in relation to the Notes;

 

(vii)        The entry by the Company into the Indenture has been duly authorized;

 

(viii)       As at the time of pricing of the Notes on February 28, 2023, the statements contained in the section of the Registration Statement headed “Certain UK and U.S. Federal Tax Considerations – United Kingdom Taxation”, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement, to the extent they summarize matters of English law in respect of the matters referred to therein, and subject to the matters excluded from the scope of such section and the limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth in, or applicable to, such section, were true and correct in all material respects; and

 

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(ix)          As of the date hereof, the statements contained in the section of the Registration Statement headed “Certain UK and U.S. Federal Tax Considerations – United Kingdom Taxation”, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement, to the extent they summarize matters of English law in respect of the matters referred to therein, and subject to the matters excluded from the scope of such section and the limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth in, or applicable to, such section, are true and correct in all material respects.

 

In giving the opinion set forth above in this subsection (c), such counsel may state that in the case of default by AZ Finance or the Company in the performance of their respective obligations under this Agreement or any other agreement referred to in such opinion, any proceedings in an English court to pursue remedies would be subject to the following: (a) a judgment rendered by a court outside the United Kingdom would not be enforced by the English courts without a retrial or re-examination if such judgment was obtained by fraud or in a manner opposed to natural justice or if the enforcement thereof were contrary to United Kingdom public policy; and (b) in any proceedings to enforce in an English court a foreign judgment it is open to the defendant to raise any counterclaim which he could have brought if the action had originally been brought in England unless the subject of the counterclaim was in issue and decided in the foreign proceedings; and in giving the opinion in subparagraph (vii) above, such counsel may assume that the Designated Securities conform to the specimen thereof examined by such counsel.

 

(d)           The Company Secretary or General Counsel for the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a written opinion, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives (such Company Secretary or General Counsel being entitled to state that he has made no investigation of the laws of any country other than England and that his opinion is confined to matters of English law and, as to all matters governed by the laws of the United States and the State of New York, such opinion is given in reliance upon, and is subject to the qualifications set forth in, the opinion required by subsection (e) of this Section 8), substantially to the effect that:

 

(i)            Other than as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, to the best of such Company Secretary or General Counsel’s knowledge, after due inquiry, there are no material legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which AZ Finance, the Company or any of its other subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of AZ Finance, the Company or any of its other subsidiaries is the subject that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and are not so described and there are no statutes or regulations that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and are not so described; and

 

(ii)           The issue and sale of the Designated Securities and the compliance by AZ Finance and the Company, as applicable, with all of the provisions of the Indenture, this Agreement and the applicable Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities and the consummation by AZ Finance and the Company of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not contravene any of the terms or provisions of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other similar agreement or instrument known to such Company Secretary or General Counsel to which AZ Finance or the Company is a party or by which AZ Finance or the Company is bound, except for such contraventions which would not affect the validity or binding nature of the Designated Securities or have a material adverse effect on the financial position, shareholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as a whole.

 

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(e)          Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, United States counsel for AZ Finance and the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion and negative assurance letter, dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives (such counsel being entitled to state that they have assumed that any document referred to in their opinion and executed by the Company has been duly authorized, executed and delivered pursuant to English law and, as to all matters governed by the laws of England, their opinion is given in reliance upon, and is subject to the same qualifications set forth in, the opinion required by subsection (c) of this Section 8), substantially to the effect that:

 

(i)           AZ Finance is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;

 

(ii)          Each of the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by AZ Finance;

 

(iii)         Assuming that each of the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with English law, each of the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company;

 

(iv)         The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by AZ Finance and, assuming that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of AZ Finance, enforceable against AZ Finance in accordance with its terms;

 

(v)          Assuming that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with English law, the Indenture has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms;

 

(vi)         The Notes have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by AZ Finance and, assuming due authentication thereof by the Trustee and upon payment and delivery in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of AZ Finance, enforceable against AZ Finance in accordance with their terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture;

 

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(vii)        Assuming that the Company’s Guarantee of the Notes has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with English law, the Company’s Guarantee has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and assuming due authentication of the Notes by the Trustee and upon payment for and delivery of the Notes in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, the Guarantee will constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture;

 

(viii)       The issue and sale of the Notes by AZ Finance, the issue of the Guarantee by the Company, the execution and delivery by the Company and AZ Finance, as applicable, of the Underwriting Agreement, the Pricing Agreement, the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantee and the Company and AZ Finance officers’ certificates (the “Operative Documents”) and the performance by the Company and AZ Finance, as applicable, of their respective obligations under the Operative Documents to which they are a party (including the use of proceeds from the sale of the Notes as described in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus), will not violate (i) any provision of the organization documents of AZ Finance or (ii) any U.S. federal or New York State statute or the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act or any rule or regulation that has been issued pursuant to any U.S. federal or New York State statute or the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, except that it is understood that no opinion is given in this paragraph with respect to any U.S. federal or State of New York securities law or any rule or regulation issued pursuant to any U.S. federal or New York State securities law;

 

(ix)          No authorization, approval, consent, order, registration or qualification of or with any U.S. federal, New York State or, with respect to matters arising under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, Delaware governmental agency or body, or, to our knowledge, any U.S. federal, New York State or, with respect to matters arising under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, Delaware court is required for (a) the issue and sale of the Notes by AZ Finance, (b) the issue of the Guarantee by the Company and (c) compliance by the Company and AZ Finance with all of the applicable provisions of the Operative Documents to which they are a party, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders or qualifications as may be required (i) under state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws, rules and regulations, (ii) by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) in connection with the offer, sale, purchase and distribution of the Notes and the Guarantee, or (iii) the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. It is understood that no opinion is given in this paragraph with respect to any U.S. federal or New York State securities law or any rule or regulation issued pursuant to any U.S. federal or New York State securities law;

 

(x)           The Registration Statement is effective under the Act; any required filing of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); and, to our knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or preventing the use of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or have been threatened by the Commission under the Act;

 

(xi)          The statements made in each of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the captions “Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees,” and “Description of Notes,” insofar as they purport to constitute summaries of certain terms of documents referred to therein, constitute accurate summaries of the terms of such documents in all material respects;

 

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(xii)         The statements made in each of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Certain UK and U.S. Federal Tax Considerations – United States Taxation,” insofar as they constitute statements of U.S. federal tax law or legal conclusions with respect thereto, are correct in all material respects;

 

(xiii)        Each of the Company and AZ Finance is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Notes will not be, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

(xiv)        The Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

 

(xv)         Each of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as of the date of the Prospectus, and each of the documents filed by the Company and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, appeared on its face to be appropriately responsive as to form in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable; provided, however, that such counsel does not express any belief with respect to (a) the financial statements or other financial data included in, or omitted from or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or (b) the statement of eligibility and qualification of the Trustee under the Indenture under which the Notes are being issued; and

 

(xvi)        Nothing has come to such counsel’s attention that caused such counsel to believe that (i) the Registration Statement, as of the date of the Prospectus, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Pricing Disclosure Package, taken as a whole, as of the Applicable Time, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (iii) the Prospectus, as of its date or at the Time of Delivery, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that we do not express any belief with respect to (a) the financial statements or other financial data included in, omitted from or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or (b) the statement of eligibility and qualification of the Trustee under the Indenture under which the Notes are being issued.

 

In giving the opinions set forth in subparagraphs (xv) and (xvi) of this subsection (e) such counsel may state that given the limitations inherent in the role of outside counsel and the independent verification of factual matters and the character of determinations involved in the registration process, they do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus except as set forth in paragraphs (xi) and (xii) of this Section 8(e). Such opinion may also state that it is confined to matters of the laws of the United States of America and the State of New York and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, in each case as of the date of the opinion. Such opinion may also state that such counsel expresses no opinion or belief as to (x) the statements of English law or descriptions of legislation referred to in subparagraph (viii) of paragraph (c) of this Section 8, (y) the conveyance of the Pricing Disclosure Package or the information contained therein to investors or (z) the due incorporation of, and valid, binding and enforceable, execution of the Indenture by the Trustee;

 

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(f)           On the date of the applicable Pricing Agreement and at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company, which has audited certain of the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement as specified under the heading “Experts” in the Registration Statement, shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter or letters, dated as of each such date and in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and as to such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request; and

 

(g)          AZ Finance and the Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representatives a certificate or certificates, dated the Time of Delivery for the Designated Securities, of officers of AZ Finance and the Company, as applicable, satisfactory to the Representatives as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties in all material respects of AZ Finance and the Company in this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement at and as of the Time of Delivery, as to the performance by AZ Finance and the Company of all of their respective obligations hereunder to be performed prior to such Time of Delivery, and as to the matters set forth in Sections 8(a) and 12(i) hereof.

 

9.            (a)  AZ Finance and the Company, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act, including the information in the final term sheet filed in accordance with Section 5(a) of this Agreement and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that AZ Finance and the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any such amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to AZ Finance and the Company by any Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities.

 

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(b)          Each Underwriter will indemnify and hold harmless AZ Finance and the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which AZ Finance and the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Pricing Disclosure Package, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, the Pricing Disclosure Package, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to AZ Finance and the Company by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; and will, reimburse AZ Finance and the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by AZ Finance and the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.

 

(c)          Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any action or related actions in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm for all such indemnified parties. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any action effected without its written consent but if settled with such consent, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. Furthermore, the indemnifying party shall not, without the written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

 

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(d)          To the extent that the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by AZ Finance and the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other from the offering of the Designated Securities to which loss, claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) relates. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of AZ Finance and the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by AZ Finance and the Company on the one hand and such Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from such offering (before deducting expenses) received by AZ Finance and the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus as amended and supplemented. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by AZ Finance and the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. AZ Finance, the Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the applicable Designated Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligations of the Underwriters of Designated Securities in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations with respect to such Securities and not joint.

 

20 

 

 

 

(e)            The obligations of AZ Finance and the Company under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which AZ Finance and the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act and to the Underwriters’ affiliates, directors and officers; and the obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of AZ Finance and the Company, the duly authorized representative of AZ Finance and the Company in the United States, and to each person, if any, who controls AZ Finance and the Company within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act.

 

10.            (a)  If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Designated Securities which it has agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities, the Representatives may in their discretion arrange for themselves or another party or other parties to purchase such Designated Securities on the terms contained herein. If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representatives do not arrange for the purchase of such Designated Securities, then AZ Finance and the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty-six hours within which to procure another party or other parties reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives to purchase such Designated Securities on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed period, the Representatives notify AZ Finance and the Company that the Representatives have so arranged for the purchase of such Designated Securities, or AZ Finance and the Company notify the Representatives that they have so arranged for the purchase of such Designated Securities, the Representatives or AZ Finance and the Company shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the opinion of the Representatives may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities.

 

(b)            If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives, AZ Finance and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities which remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of the Designated Securities, then AZ Finance and the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under such Pricing Agreement) of the Designated Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

 

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(c)            If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives and AZ Finance and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of the Designated Securities which remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of the Designated Securities, as referred to in subsection (b) above, or if AZ Finance and the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, AZ Finance or the Company, except for the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 9 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

 

11.            The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of AZ Finance, the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling person of any Underwriter, AZ Finance or the Company, the duly authorized representative of AZ Finance and the Company in the United States or any officer or director or controlling person of AZ Finance and the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Designated Securities.

 

12.            Any Pricing Agreement shall be subject to termination in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, after consultation with AZ Finance and the Company, if, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Disclosure Package in the case of clause (i) below, or subsequent to the Applicable Time and prior to the Time of Delivery of the Designated Securities, in the case of clauses (ii) through (vii) below, (i) there shall have been a material adverse change, or any development which in the reasonable judgment of the Company will result in a material adverse change, in the business, properties or financial condition of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Disclosure Package; (ii) there shall have occurred a downgrading in the rating accorded AZ Finance’s or the Company’s senior debt securities by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) or, in the event that AZ Finance’s or the Company’s senior debt securities are not rated by either Moody’s or S&P, by another “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” as such term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act; (iii) such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or of any other senior debt securities or preferred stock of or guaranteed by AZ Finance or the Company (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading); (iv) there shall have been a change or development involving a prospective change in United States or United Kingdom taxation affecting the Designated Securities or the imposition of exchange controls by the United States or the United Kingdom affecting the Designated Securities, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Disclosure Package; (v) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange or any other exchange where the Designated Securities are listed or intended to be listed shall have been suspended or materially limited; (vi) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in the State of New York shall have been declared by either Federal or New York State authorities or a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in the United Kingdom shall have been declared by authorities in the United Kingdom; (vii) there shall have occurred the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the United Kingdom or the declaration by the United States or the United Kingdom of a national emergency or war; or (viii) there shall have occurred any change in financial markets or other national or international calamity or crisis of such magnitude and severity in its effect on the financial markets, as, in any such case described in clauses (i) through (viii) above, in the judgment of the Representatives, after consultation with AZ Finance and the Company, to make it impracticable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities.

 

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13.            If any Pricing Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters of the Designated Securities pursuant to clause (i) of Section 12 hereof or because of any failure or refusal on the part of AZ Finance or the Company to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of the applicable Pricing Agreement, or if for any reason AZ Finance or the Company shall be unable to perform their respective obligations under the applicable Pricing Agreement, AZ Finance and the Company, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Underwriters of such Securities for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel) reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Designated Securities.

 

Notwithstanding the termination of any Pricing Agreement the provisions of Section 9, 10 and 11 hereof shall remain in effect.

 

14.            In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives of the Underwriters of Designated Securities shall act on behalf of each of such Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by such Representatives jointly or by such of the Representatives, if any, as may be designated for such purpose in the applicable Pricing Agreement.

 

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission as directed in the applicable Pricing Agreement; and if to AZ Finance or the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to its address set forth in the Registration Statement (and in respect of AZ Finance, also to its main office address at 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19850), Attention: Company Secretary, or such other address as AZ Finance or the Company shall notify in writing to the Representatives; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter of Designated Securities pursuant to Section 9(c) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters’ Questionnaire, or e-mail constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to AZ Finance and the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

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In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including AZ Finance and the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

 

15.            This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, AZ Finance, the Company and, to the extent provided in Section 9 and Section 11 hereof, the officers and directors of AZ Finance and the Company and each person who controls AZ Finance and the Company or any Underwriter and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement or any such Pricing Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Designated Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

 

16.            Each of AZ Finance and the Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the purchase and sale of any Designated Securities pursuant to this Agreement is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between AZ Finance and the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other, (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is acting solely as principal and not as an agent or fiduciary of AZ Finance or the Company, (iii) no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of AZ Finance or the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising AZ Finance or the Company on other matters) or any other obligation to AZ Finance or the Company except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement and (iv) each of AZ Finance and the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate. Each of AZ Finance and the Company agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters, or any of them, has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to AZ Finance or the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.

 

17.            In the event that any Underwriter that is a “covered entity,” “covered bank” or “covered FSI” (as the terms are defined in, and interpreted in accordance with 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.82(b); 47.3(b) or 382.2(b), respectively) (each, a “Covered Entity”), becomes subject to a proceeding under the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or Title II of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (together, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regime”), the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the federal laws of the United States or by the laws of the State of New York.

 

In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or an “affiliate” (as the term is defined, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k)), of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, default rights (as the term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § § 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable) (each, a “Default Right”) under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the federal laws of the United States or by the laws of the State of New York.

 

24

 

 

18.            Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of this Agreement or any other agreements, arrangements or understandings between an Underwriter and any other party to this Agreement, each of the other parties to this Agreement acknowledges and accepts that a BRRD Liability arising under this Agreement may be subject to the exercise of Bail-in Powers by the Relevant Resolution Authority and acknowledges, accepts and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)            the effect of the exercise of Bail-in Powers by the Relevant Resolution Authority in relation to any BRRD Liability of an Underwriter to such other party under this Agreement, that (without limitation) may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof:

 

(i)            the reduction of all, or a portion, in the principal amount of the BRRD Liability or outstanding amounts due thereon (including any accrued but unpaid interest);

 

(ii)           the conversion of all, or a portion, of the BRRD Liability into shares, other securities or other obligations of the relevant Underwriter or another person (and the issue to or conferral on such other party to this Agreement of such shares, securities or obligations);

 

(iii)          the cancellation of the BRRD Liability; and

 

(iv)          the amendment or alteration of any interest, if applicable, thereon, the maturity or the dates on which any payments are due, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and

 

(b)            the variation of the terms of this Agreement, as deemed necessary by the Relevant Resolution Authority, to give effect to the exercise of Bail-in Powers by the Relevant Resolution Authority.

 

For purposes of this Section 18:

 

Bail-in Legislation” means, in relation to a member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented, or which at any time implements, the BRRD, the relevant implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement as described in the EU Bail-in Legislation Schedule from time to time;

 

Bail-in Powers” means, with respect to a member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented, or which at any time implements, the BRDD, any Write-Down and Conversion Powers as defined in the EU Bail-in Legislation Schedule, in relation to the relevant Bail-in Legislation;

 

25

 

 

BRRD” means Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, as amended;

 

BRRD Liability” means a liability under this Agreement in respect of which the relevant Bail-in Powers in the applicable Bail-in Legislation may be exercised;

 

EU Bail-in Legislation Schedule” means the document described as such, then in effect, and published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person) from time to time at http://www.lma.eu.com/; and

 

Relevant Resolution Authority” means the resolution authority with the ability to exercise any Bail-in Powers in relation to an Underwriter.

 

19.            The Company hereby appoints CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10005-1400 as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon which process may be served in any action based on this Agreement which may be instituted in any State or Federal court in The City, County and State of New York by any Underwriter and expressly accepts the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of such action. Such appointment shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Designated Securities remain outstanding unless and until a successor Authorized Agent shall be appointed and such successor shall accept such appointment. The Company will take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment or appointments in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Company (mailed or delivered as aforesaid) shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action based on this Agreement or any Pricing Agreement may be instituted by any Underwriter against the Company in any competent court in the United Kingdom.

 

20.            Time shall be of the essence of each Pricing Agreement. As used herein, the term “business day” shall mean any day when the Commission’s office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

 

21.            This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

22.            This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto and thereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, each Pricing Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto and thereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.

 

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  Very truly yours,
   
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
   
  By:  /s/ David E. White
    Name: David E. White
    Title: President, Treasurer and Director
   
  ASTRAZENECA PLC
   
  By:  /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

BofA SECURITIES, INC.

 

By:/s/ Sandeep Chawla  
 Name: Sandeep Chawla  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

 

By:/s/ Patrice Altongy  
 Name: Patrice Altongy  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

 

By:/s/ Joseph Santaniello  
 Name: Joseph Santaniello  
 Title: Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

Santander US Capital Markets LLC

 

By:/s/ Richard Zobkiw  
 Name: Richard Zobkiw  
 Title: Executive Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC.

 

By:/s/ James Guton  
 Name: James Guton  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

BNP PARIBAS

 

By:/s/ Vikas Katyal  
 Name: Vikas Katyal  
 Title: Authorised Signatory  

 

By:/s/ Katie Ahern  
 Name: Katie Ahern  
 Title: Authorised Signatory  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

 

By:/s/ Brian D. Bednarski  
 Name: Brian D. Bednarski  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.

 

By:/s/ Timothy Azoia  
 Name: Timothy Azoia  
 Title: Director, DBSI  

 

By:/s/ Jonathan P. Krissel  
 Name: Jonathan P. Krissel  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

GOLDMAN SACHS & CO. LLC

 

By:/s/ Adam T. Greene  
 Name: Adam T. Greene  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

 

By:/s/ Som Bhattacharyya  
 Name: Som Bhattacharyya  
 Title: Executive Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC

 

By:/s/ Tammy Serbee  
 Name: Tammy Serbee  
 Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

SEB Securities, inc.

 

By:/s/ Micael Ljunggren  
 Name: Micael Ljunggren  
 Title: Head of Investment Banking US  

 

By:/s/ John Arne Wang  
 Name: John Arne Wang  
 Title: General Manager  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

SG AMERICAS SECURITIES, LLC

 

By:/s/ Félix Orsini  
 Name: Félix Orsini  
 Title: Global Head of Debt Capital Markets  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

R. SEELAUS & CO., LLC

 

By:/s/ Benjamin Seelaus  
 Name: Benjamin Seelaus  
 Title: Chief Operating Officer  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

TIGRESS FINANCIAL PARTNERS, LLC

 

By:/s/ Cynthia DiBartolo  
 Name: Cynthia DiBartolo  
 Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

 

ANNEX I

 

Pricing Agreement

 

[Name(s) of Representative(s),]
     
As Representatives of the several
           Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

AstraZeneca Finance LLC (the “Issuer”) proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Underwriting Agreement dated [•] (the “Underwriting Agreement”), to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”) the Notes specified in Schedule II hereto, guaranteed by AstraZeneca PLC, a company organized under the laws of England (the “Company,” such guarantee, the “Guarantee” and together with the Notes, the “Designated Securities”). Each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement, except that each representation and warranty which refers to the Basic Prospectus, Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation or warranty as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement in relation to the Basic Prospectus (as defined therein) as amended or supplemented as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement and also a representation and warranty as of the date of this Pricing Agreement in relation to the Basic Prospectus, Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, relating to the Designated Securities which are the subject of this Pricing Agreement. Each reference to the Representatives herein and in the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement so incorporated by reference shall be deemed to refer to you. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined. The Representatives designated to act on behalf of the Representatives and on behalf of each of the Underwriters of the Designated Securities pursuant to Section 14 of the Underwriting Agreement and the address of the Representatives referred to in such Section 14 are set forth at the end of Schedule II hereto. Schedule III sets forth each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is part of the Pricing Disclosure Package and any additional documents incorporated by reference that were filed with the Commission subsequent to the Commission’s close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of the execution of this Pricing Agreement. Schedule IV sets forth all documents that the Issuer, the Company and the Representatives agree are to be included in the Pricing Disclosure Package. The final term sheets prepared in accordance with Section 5(a) of the Underwriting Agreement are attached hereto as Schedule V.

 

The “Applicable Time” means [●] p.m. New York time on the date hereof.

 

 

 

 

An amendment of the Registration Statement, or a supplement to the Basic Prospectus, as the case may be, relating to the Designated Securities, in the form heretofore delivered to you is now proposed to be filed with the Commission.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Issuer agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Issuer, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

 

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to (i) BofA Securities, Inc., 114 West 47th Street, NY8-114-07-01, New York, NY 10036, Attention: High Grade Debt Capital Markets/Transaction Management/Legal, Fax: +1 212-901-7881, (ii) HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, Phone: + 1 212-525-2346; Fax: +1 646-366-3229; Email: tmg.americas@us.hsbc.com, (iii) Mizuho Securities USA LLC, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Fax: +1 212-205-7812; (iv) Santander US Capital Markets LLC, 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Fax: +1 212-407-0930, Email: DCMAmericas@santander.us; and if to the Issuer or the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to its address set forth in the Registration Statement and, in respect of the Issuer, at its main office address at 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19850, Phone: +44-20-3749-5000, Email: aztbo@astrazeneca.com, Attention: Company Secretary, or such other address as the Issuer or the Company shall notify in writing to the Representatives at their respective foregoing addresses; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter of Designated Securities pursuant to Section 9(c) of the Underwriting Agreement shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters’ Questionnaire, or e-mail constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Issuer and the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters, the Issuer and the Company. It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is or will be pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Issuer and the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on the part of the Representatives as to the authority of the signers thereof.

 

A-2

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
   
  By:  
    Name: 
    Title:
   
  ASTRAZENECA PLC
   
  By:  
    Name: 
    Title:

 

[Signature Page to Pricing Agreement]

 

A-3

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

BofA SECURITIES, INC.  
   
By:    
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Pricing Agreement]

 

A-4

 

 

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.  
   
By:    
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Pricing Agreement]

 

A-5

 

 

Mizuho Securities USA LLC  
   
By:    
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Pricing Agreement]

 

A-6

 

 

Santander US Capital Markets LLC  
   
By:    
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Pricing Agreement]

 

A-7

 

 

SCHEDULE I

 

   Aggregate
Principal Amount
of 2028 Notes to be
Purchased
  Aggregate
Principal Amount
of 2030 Notes to
be Purchased
  Aggregate
Principal Amount
of 2033 Notes to
be Purchased
 
BofA Securities, Inc.   $    $    $    
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.   $    $    $    
Mizuho Securities USA LLC   $    $    $    
Santander US Capital Markets LLC   $    $    $    
Barclays Capital Inc.   $    $    $    
BNP Paribas   $    $    $    
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.   $    $    $    
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.   $    $    $    
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC   $    $    $    
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC   $    $    $    
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC   $    $    $    
SEB Securities, Inc.   $    $    $    
SG Americas Securities, LLC   $    $    $    
R. Seelaus & Co., LLC   $    $    $    
Tigress Financial Partners, LLC   $    $    $    
                  
Total   $    $    $    

 

S.I-1

 

 

SCHEDULE II

 

Title of Designated Securities:

 

[___%] [Floating Rate] [Zero Coupon] [Notes] [Debentures] due [   ]

 

Issuer: AstraZeneca Finance LLC

 

Guarantor:

 

AstraZeneca PLC

 

Aggregate Principal Amount:

 

[$]

 

Price to Public:

 

% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities,
plus accrued interest from ____________ to __________
[and accrued amortization, if any, from __________ to _________________]

 

Purchase Price by Underwriters:

 

% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities,
plus accrued interest from ____________ to __________
[and accrued amortization, if any, from __________ to _________________]

 

Expenses:

 

Specified Funds for Payment of Purchase Price:

 

[New York] Clearing House funds

 

Indenture:

 

Indenture dated as of May 28, 2021, between the Issuer, the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon

 

S.II-1

 

 

Maturity:

 

Interest Rate:

 

[___%] [Zero Coupon] [See Floating Rate Provisions] 

 

Interest Payment Date:

 

[months and dates]

 

Redemption Provisions:

 

[No provisions for redemption]

 

[The Designated Securities may be redeemed, otherwise than through the sinking fund, in whole or in part at the option of the Issuer, in the amount of [$]_________ or an integral multiple thereof,

 

[on or after __________, ____________ at the following redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount). If [redeemed on or before _______, ____ %, and if] redeemed during the 12- month period beginning _____________,

 

Year   Redemption Price 
       
       
       

 

and thereafter at 100% of their principal amount, together in each case with accrued interest to the redemption date.]

 

[on any interest payment date falling in or after ______, __, at the election of the Issuer, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption].

 

[Other possible redemption provisions, such as mandatory redemption upon occurrence of certain events or redemption for changes in tax law]

 

[Restriction on refunding]

 

Sinking Fund Provisions:

 

[No sinking fund provisions]

 

[The Designated Securities are entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund to retire [$]__________ principal amount of Designated Securities on ____________ in each of the years _____ through _____ at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest] [, together with [cumulative] [noncumulative] redemptions at the option of the Issuer to retire an additional [$]_________ principal amount of Designated Securities in the years _____ through _____ at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest].

 

[If Securities are extendable debt Securities, insert ---]

 

S.II-2

 

 

Extendable Provisions:

 

Securities are repayable on ________, ___ [insert day and years], at the option of the holder, at their principal amount with accrued interest. Initial annual interest rate will be ___%, and thereafter annual interest rate will be adjusted on __________, __ and ______, __ to a rate not less than ___% of the effective annual interest rate on U.S. Treasury obligations with ____-year maturities as of the [insert date 15 days prior to maturity date] prior to such [insert maturity date].]

 

[If Securities are Floating Rate debt Securities insert ---]

 

Floating Rate Provisions:

 

Initial annual interest rate will be ___% through ___[and thereafter will be adjusted [monthly] [on each _________, _________, ________ and __________] [to an annual rate of ____% above the average rate for ____-year [month] [securities] [certificates of deposit] issued by ________ and ________ [insert names of banks].] [and the annual interest rate [thereafter] [from _________ through _________] will be the interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for ____-month Treasury bills plus ___% of Interest Differential (the excess, if any, of (i) then currently weekly average per annum secondary market yield for ___-month certificates of deposit over (ii) then current interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for ___-month Treasury bills); [from _________ and thereafter the rate will be the then current interest yield equivalent plus ___% of Interest Differential].]

 

Defeasance Provisions:

 

Time of Delivery:

 

Closing Location for Delivery of Securities:

 

Names and Addresses of Representatives:

 

Designated Representatives:

 

Address for Notices, etc.:

 

S.II-3

 

 

[Other Terms]*

 

 

*        A description of particular tax, accounting or other unusual features (such as the addition of event risk language) of the Securities should be set forth, or referenced to an attached and accompanying description, if necessary to ensure agreement as to the terms of the Securities to be purchased and sold. Such a description might appropriately be in the form in which such features will be described in the Prospectus Supplement for the offering.

 

S.II-4

 

 

SCHEDULE III

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus:

 

(a) Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, if any:

 

1.[Final Term Sheet dated [●] containing the final terms of the Designated Securities as set forth in Schedule V hereto]

 

2.[Electronic road show]

 

(b) Additional Documents Incorporated by Reference, if any:

 

S.III-1

 

 

SCHEDULE IV

 

Pricing Disclosure Package:

 

S.IV-1

 

 

SCHEDULE V

 

Final Term Sheet:

 

S.V-1

 

 

Exhibit 1.2

 

EXECUTION Version

 

Pricing Agreement

 

BofA Securities, Inc.

One Bryant Park

New York, NY 10036

 

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

452 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10018

 

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

 

Santander US Capital Markets LLC

437 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

 

As Representatives of the several

Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

AstraZeneca Finance LLC (the “Issuer”) proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Underwriting Agreement dated February 28, 2023 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”) the Notes specified in Schedule II hereto, guaranteed by AstraZeneca PLC, a company organized under the laws of England (the “Company,” such guarantee, the “Guarantee” and together with the Notes, the “Designated Securities”). Each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement, except that each representation and warranty which refers to the Basic Prospectus, Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation or warranty as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement in relation to the Basic Prospectus (as defined therein) as amended or supplemented as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement and also a representation and warranty as of the date of this Pricing Agreement in relation to the Basic Prospectus, Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, relating to the Designated Securities which are the subject of this Pricing Agreement. Each reference to the Representatives herein and in the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement so incorporated by reference shall be deemed to refer to you. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined. The Representatives designated to act on behalf of the Representatives and on behalf of each of the Underwriters of the Designated Securities pursuant to Section 14 of the Underwriting Agreement and the address of the Representatives referred to in such Section 14 are set forth at the end of Schedule II hereto. Schedule III sets forth each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is part of the Pricing Disclosure Package and any additional documents incorporated by reference that were filed with the Commission subsequent to the Commission’s close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of the execution of this Pricing Agreement. Schedule IV sets forth all documents that the Issuer, the Company and the Representatives agree are to be included in the Pricing Disclosure Package. The final term sheets prepared in accordance with Section 5(a) of the Underwriting Agreement are attached hereto as Schedule V.

 

 

 

 

The “Applicable Time” means 5:30 p.m. New York time on the date hereof.

 

An amendment of the Registration Statement, or a supplement to the Basic Prospectus, as the case may be, relating to the Designated Securities, in the form heretofore delivered to you is now proposed to be filed with the Commission.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Issuer agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Issuer, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

 

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to (i) BofA Securities, Inc., 114 West 47th Street, NY8-114-07-01, New York, NY 10036, Attention: High Grade Debt Capital Markets/Transaction Management/Legal, Fax: +1 212-901-7881, (ii) HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, Phone: + 1 212-525-2346; Fax: +1 646-366-3229; Email: tmg.americas@us.hsbc.com, (iii) Mizuho Securities USA LLC, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Fax: +1 212-205-7812; (iv) Santander US Capital Markets LLC, 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Fax: +1 212-407-0930, Email: DCMAmericas@santander.us; and if to the Issuer or the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to its address set forth in the Registration Statement and, in respect of the Issuer, at its main office address at 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19850, Phone: +44-20-3749-5000, Email: aztbo@astrazeneca.com, Attention: Company Secretary, or such other address as the Issuer or the Company shall notify in writing to the Representatives at their respective foregoing addresses; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter of Designated Securities pursuant to Section 9(c) of the Underwriting Agreement shall be delivered or sent by mail, e-mail or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters’ Questionnaire, or e-mail constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Issuer and the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

2 

 

 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters, the Issuer and the Company. It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is or will be pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Issuer and the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on the part of the Representatives as to the authority of the signers thereof.

 

[Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
   
By: /s/ David E. White
    Name: David E. White
    Title: President, Treasurer and Director

 

 [Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  ASTRAZENECA PLC
   
By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

BofA SECURITIES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Sandeep Chawla  
  Name: Sandeep Chawla  
  Title: Managing Director  

 

[Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.

 

By: /s/ Patrice Altongy  
  Name: Patrice Altongy  
  Title: Managing Director  

 

 [Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

 

By: /s/ Joseph Santaniello  
  Name: Joseph Santaniello  
  Title: Director  

 

 [Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

SANTANDER us capital markets llc

 

By: /s/ Richard Zobkiw  
  Name: Richard Zobkiw  
  Title: Executive Director  

 

[Signature Page to AZ Finance Pricing Agreement]

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE I

 

   Aggregate
Principal
Amount of 2028
Notes to be
Purchased
   Aggregate
Principal
Amount of 2030
Notes to be
Purchased
   Aggregate
Principal
Amount of 2033
Notes to be
Purchased
 
BofA Securities, Inc.  $203,500,000   $120,250,000   $92,500,000 
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.  $203,500,000   $120,250,000   $92,500,000 
Mizuho Securities USA LLC  $203,500,000   $120,250,000   $92,500,000 
Santander US Capital Markets LLC  $203,500,000   $120,250,000   $92,500,000 
Barclays Capital Inc.  $29,334,000   $17,333,000   $13,333,000 
BNP Paribas  $29,334,000   $17,333,000   $13,333,000 
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.  $29,334,000   $17,333,000   $13,333,000 
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.  $29,333,000   $17,334,000   $13,333,000 
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC  $29,333,000   $17,334,000   $13,333,000 
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC  $29,333,000   $17,334,000   $13,333,000 
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC  $29,333,000   $17,333,000   $13,334,000 
SEB Securities, Inc.  $29,333,000   $17,333,000   $13,334,000 
SG Americas Securities, LLC  $29,333,000   $17,333,000   $13,334,000 
R. Seelaus & Co., LLC  $11,000,000   $6,500,000   $5,000,000 
Tigress Financial Partners, LLC  $11,000,000   $6,500,000   $5,000,000 
Total  $1,100,000,000   $650,000,000   $500,000,000 

 

S.I-1 

 

 

SCHEDULE II

 

Title of Designated Securities:

 

$1,100,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”).

 

$650,000,000 4.900% Fixed Rate Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”).

 

$500,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes”).

 

The 2028 Notes, the 2030 Notes and the 2033 Notes are collectively referred to herein as the “Designated Securities” or “Notes”.

 

Issuer:

 

AstraZeneca Finance LLC

 

Guarantor:

 

AstraZeneca PLC

 

Aggregate Principal Amount:

 

$1,100,000,000 for the 2028 Notes.

 

$650,000,000 for the 2030 Notes.

 

$500,000,000 for the 2033 Notes.

 

Price to Public:

 

99.798% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2028 Notes).

 

99.590% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2030 Notes).

 

99.726% of the principal amount of the 2033 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2033 Notes).

 

Purchase Price by Underwriters:

 

99.573% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2028 Notes).

 

99.315% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2030 Notes).

 

99.401% of the principal amount of the 2033 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023 (for the 2033 Notes).

 

Specified Funds for Payment of Purchase Price:

 

New York Clearing House funds.

 

S.II-1 

 

 

Indenture:

 

Indenture dated as of May 28, 2021, among the Issuer, the Guarantor and The Bank of New York Mellon.

 

Maturity Dates:

 

The stated maturity of the principal of the 2028 Notes will be March 3, 2028.

 

The stated maturity of the principal of the 2030 Notes will be March 3, 2030.

 

The stated maturity of the principal of the 2033 Notes will be March 3, 2033.

 

Interest Rates:

 

The 2028 Notes will bear interest from March 3, 2023 at a fixed rate of 4.875% per annum, payable semi-annually.

 

The 2030 Notes will bear interest from March 3, 2023 at a fixed rate of 4.900% per annum, payable semi-annually.

 

The 2033 Notes will bear interest from March 3, 2023 at a fixed rate of 4.875% per annum, payable semi-annually.

 

Interest Payment Dates:

 

Interest on the 2028 Notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023.

 

Interest on the 2030 Notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023.

 

Interest on the 2033 Notes will be paid semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023.

 

Redemption Provisions:

 

Prior to the applicable “Par Call Date” (as set forth below), the Issuer may redeem the relevant series of Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the applicable redemption date (assuming the relevant series of Notes matured on the relevant Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate plus the applicable Make-Whole Spread (as set forth below) less (b) interest accrued to the relevant date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the relevant series of Notes to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the relevant redemption date.

 

S.II-2 

 

 

On or after the applicable Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the relevant series of Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the relevant series of Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the relevant redemption date.

 

In the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem in whole, but not in part, any series of the Notes prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the date of redemption.

 

Par Call Dates:

 

2028 Notes: February 3, 2028.

 

2030 Notes: January 3, 2030.

 

2033 Notes: December 3, 2032.

 

Make-Whole Spreads:

 

2028 Notes: 15 basis points.

 

2030 Notes: 15 basis points.

 

2033 Notes: 15 basis points.

 

Sinking Fund Provisions:

 

No sinking fund provisions.

 

Defeasance Provisions:

 

The Designated Securities are entitled to full defeasance and discharge under certain conditions as set forth in the Indenture.

 

Time of Delivery of the Designated Securities:

 

March 3, 2023.

 

Closing Location for Delivery of the Designated Securities:

 

The offices of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York.

 

Address of the Company For Notice Purposes:

 

AstraZeneca PLC
1 Francis Crick Avenue

Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Cambridge CB2 0AA
England, United Kingdom

Attention: Company Secretary

 

 

S.II-3 

 

 

Names and Addresses of the Representatives For Notice Purposes:

 

BofA Securities, Inc.
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
114 West 47th Street

NY8-114-07-01
New York, New York 10036
Attention: High Grade Debt Capital Markets/Transaction Management/Legal

 

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.
c/o HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Transaction Management Group

 

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

c/o Mizuho Securities USA LLC

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

Attention: Debt Capital Markets

 

Santander US Capital Markets LLC

c/o Santander US Capital Markets LLC

437 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Attention: Debt Capital Markets

 

S.II-4 

 

 

SCHEDULE III

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus:

 

Final Term Sheet dated February 28, 2023 containing the final terms of the Designated Securities as set forth in Schedule V hereto.

 

S.III-1 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE IV

 

Pricing Disclosure Package:

 

Preliminary Prospectus dated and filed with the Commission on February 28, 2023, together with the Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Schedule III hereto.

 

S.IV-1 

 

 

SCHEDULE V

AstraZeneca Finance LLC

 

$1,100,000,000 4.875% Notes due 2028

$650,000,000 4.900% Notes due 2030

$500,000,000 4.875% Notes due 2033

 

Final Term Sheet

 

Issuer: AstraZeneca Finance LLC
Guarantor: AstraZeneca PLC
Trade Date: February 28, 2023
Settlement Date: March 3, 2023 (T+3)
Expected Ratings: Moody’s: A3; S&P: A

 

$1,100,000,000 4.875% Notes due 2028:

Security Type: Senior Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount: $1,100,000,000
Maturity Date: March 3, 2028
Coupon: 4.875%
Benchmark Treasury: 4.000% due February 29, 2028
Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield: 99-07+, 4.171%
Spread to Benchmark Treasury: +75 basis points
Yield to Maturity: 4.921%
Price to Public: 99.798% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Interest Payment Dates: March 3 and September 3, commencing September 3, 2023
Gross Proceeds to Issuer: $1,097,778,000
Underwriting Discount: 0.225% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Net Proceeds to Issuer (before expenses): $1,095,303,000
Redemption Provisions:  
Optional Redemption: At the option of the Issuer, from time to time, in whole or in part, as follows: (i) prior to February 3, 2028, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed discounted to the redemption date (assuming such Notes matured on February 3, 2028) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to be redeemed to the redemption date and (ii) on or after February 3, 2028, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the date of redemption.
Optional Tax Redemption: In the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the redemption date.
CUSIP: 04636NAF0
ISIN: US04636NAF06

 

S.V-1 

 

 

$650,000,000 4.900% Notes due 2030:

Security Type: Senior Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount: $650,000,000
Maturity Date: March 3, 2030
Coupon: 4.900%
Benchmark Treasury: 4.000% due February 28, 2030
Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield: 99-18+, 4.070%
Spread to Benchmark Treasury: +90 basis points
Yield to Maturity: 4.970%
Price to Public: 99.590% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Interest Payment Dates: March 3 and September 3, commencing September 3, 2023
Gross Proceeds to Issuer: $647,335,000
Underwriting Discount: 0.275% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Net Proceeds to Issuer (before expenses): $645,547,500
Redemption Provisions:  
Optional Redemption: At the option of the Issuer, from time to time, in whole or in part, as follows: (i) prior to January 3, 2030, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed discounted to the redemption date (assuming such Notes matured on January 3, 2030) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to be redeemed to the redemption date and (ii) on or after January 3, 2030, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the date of redemption.
Optional Tax Redemption: In the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the redemption date.
CUSIP: 04636NAG8
ISIN: US04636NAG88

 

S.V-2 

 

 

$500,000,000 4.875% Notes due 2033:

Security Type: Senior Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount: $500,000,000
Maturity Date: March 3, 2033
Coupon: 4.875%
Benchmark Treasury: 3.500% due February 15, 2033
Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield: 96-20+, 3.910%
Spread to Benchmark Treasury: +100 basis points
Yield to Maturity: 4.910%
Price to Public: 99.726% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Interest Payment Dates: March 3 and September 3, commencing September 3, 2023
Gross Proceeds to Issuer: $498,630,000
Underwriting Discount: 0.325% of the Aggregate Principal Amount
Net Proceeds to Issuer (before expenses): $497,005,000
Redemption Provisions:  
Optional Redemption: At the option of the Issuer, from time to time, in whole or in part, as follows: (i) prior to December 3, 2032, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed discounted to the redemption date (assuming such Notes matured on December 3, 2032) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to be redeemed to the redemption date and (ii) on or after December 3, 2032, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the date of redemption.
Optional Tax Redemption: In the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to but excluding the redemption date.
CUSIP: 04636NAH6
ISIN: US04636NAH61
   

Joint Book-Running Managers:

BofA Securities, Inc.

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

Santander US Capital Markets LLC

   
Co-Managers:

Barclays Capital Inc.

BNP Paribas

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

SEB Securities, Inc.

SG Americas Securities, LLC

R. Seelaus & Co., LLC

Tigress Financial Partners, LLC

 

*****

 

S.V-3 

 

 

No EEA or UK PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the Notes are not available to retail in the EEA or the UK.

 

Note: A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.

 

The Issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the preliminary prospectus supplement and other documents incorporated by reference therein that the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it from BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, by telephone at +1-800-294-1322 or by emailing dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com; HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, by telephone at +1-866-811-8049; Mizuho Securities USA LLC, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, by telephone at +1 866-271-7403; or Santander US Capital Markets LLC by telephone at +1-855-403-3636.

 

It is expected that delivery of the notes will be made against payment on or about the Settlement Date, which will be the third business day following the Trade Date of the notes (such settlement being referred to as “T+3”). Trades in the secondary market are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade notes prior to the delivery of the notes hereunder may be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes will initially settle in T+3, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes prior to their date of delivery hereunder should consult their advisors.

 

Any disclaimer or other notice that may appear below is not applicable to this communication and should be disregarded. Such disclaimer or notice was automatically generated as a result of this communication being sent by Bloomberg or another email system.

 

S.V-4 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

OFFICERS’ CERTIFICATE

 

In connection with the issuance of the U.S.$1,100,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), the U.S.$650,000,000 4.900% Fixed Rate Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and the U.S.$500,000,000 4.875% Fixed Rate Notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes” and, together with the 2028 Notes and the 2030 Notes, the “Notes” or the “Securities”) of AstraZeneca Finance LLC (the “Issuer”), in each case guaranteed by AstraZeneca PLC (the “Guarantor”), pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Guarantor and The Bank of New York Mellon as Trustee (section references herein being to the Indenture), and pursuant to the authorization of the Board of Directors of the Issuer by unanimous written consent dated February 20, 2023, the undersigned hereby confirms that, to the extent not otherwise provided for in the Indenture, the following forms, terms and conditions of the Notes were established as required pursuant to Section 2.01 and Section 2.08 of the Indenture:

 

Title of Notes

4.875% Notes due 2028

4.900% Notes due 2030
4.875% Notes due 2033

   
Initial Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes

2028 Notes: U.S.$1,100,000,000
2030 Notes: U.S.$650,000,000

2033 Notes: U.S.$500,000,000

   
Price to Public

2028 Notes: 99.798% of the Principal Amount per 2028 Note, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023

 

2030 Notes: 99.590% of the Principal Amount per 2030 Note, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023

 

2033 Notes: 99.726% of the Principal Amount per 2030 Note, plus accrued interest, if any, from March 3, 2023

   
Issue Date

2028 Notes: March 3, 2023

2030 Notes: March 3, 2023

2033 Notes: March 3, 2023

   
Form of Notes The Notes will be issued in the form of global notes that will be deposited with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (“DTC”) on the closing date. Six global notes will be issued to DTC, which will be executed and delivered in substantially the form of Notes set forth in Exhibits A, B and C. In certain circumstances described in the Indenture, Notes may be issued in definitive form.
   
Maturity

2028 Notes: March 3, 2028
2030 Notes: March 3, 2030

2033 Notes: March 3, 2033

 

 

 

 

Guarantee The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor.  The Guarantee is an unsubordinated and unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and ranks equally in right of payment with all of the Guarantor’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  The terms of the Guarantee are set forth in the Indenture and in the Guarantee attached to the Notes.
   
Interest Rate

2028 Notes: 4.875% per annum, accruing from March 3, 2023
2030 Notes: 4.900% per annum, accruing from March 3, 2023

2033 Notes: 4.875% per annum, accruing from March 3, 2023

   
Interest Periods The first interest period for the Notes will be the period from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, the first Interest Payment Date (as defined below). Thereafter, the interest periods for the Notes will be the periods from and including the Interest Payment Dates to, but excluding, the immediately succeeding Interest Payment Date (together with the first interest period, each an “Interest Period”). The final Interest Period will be the period from and including the Interest Payment Date immediately preceding the maturity date or the redemption date to, but excluding, the maturity date or the redemption date.
   
Interest Payment Dates

Interest on the 2028 Notes shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, a “2028 Interest Payment Date”).

 

Interest on the 2030 Notes shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, a “2030 Interest Payment Date”).

 

Interest on the 2033 Notes shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 of each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, a “2033 Interest Payment Date” and, together with each 2028 Interest Payment Date and each 2030 Interest Payment Date, each an “Interest Payment Date”).

 

Notwithstanding the above, if an Interest Payment Date would fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), the Interest Payment Date will be postponed to the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, but no additional interest shall be paid unless the issuer fails to make payment on such date (and such adjustment shall not affect the determination of any Interest Period).

 

 

 

 

 

Record Dates for Interest On each Interest Payment Date, interest shall be paid to the holder in whose name the Notes are registered at the close of business on the 15th calendar day preceding each Interest Payment Date, whether or not such day is a Business Day. However, interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.
   
Business Day Any day which is not, in London, England or New York, New York, or the place of payment of amounts payable in respect of the Notes, a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.
   
Trustee The Bank of New York Mellon
   
Place of Payment, Registration of Transfer and Exchange, Paying Agent and Security Registrar The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY  10286
United States
   
Notice and Demands to Issuer

AstraZeneca Finance LLC
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
United States of America

 

With a copy to:

 

AstraZeneca PLC
1 Francis Crick Avenue
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge CB2 OAA
England, United Kingdom
Attn: The Company Secretary

 

   
Redemption Provisions:  
   
Optional Tax Redemption Optional, in whole but not in part, at the option of the Issuer, at any time in accordance with the terms set forth in the relevant form of Notes set forth in Exhibits A, B and C hereto.

 

 

 

 

Optional Redemption

 

 

 

The Issuer may redeem any of the Notes in whole or in part, from time to time, (i) prior to the relevant Par Call Date (as set forth below), at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the relevant redemption date (assuming the relevant Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the relevant form of Notes set forth in Exhibits A, B and C hereto) plus the Make-Whole Spread (as set forth below) less (b) interest accrued to the relevant date of redemption, and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the relevant Notes to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the relevant redemption date and (ii) on or after the applicable Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the relevant Notes to be redeemed, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to but excluding the relevant date of redemption.

 

Make-Whole Spread” means with respect to (i) the 2028 Notes, 15 basis points, (ii) the 2030 Notes, 15 basis points and (iii) the 2033 Notes, 15 basis points.

 

Par Call Date” means, with respect to (i) the 2028 Notes, February 3, 2028, (ii) the 2030 Notes, January 3, 2030 and (iii) the 2033 Notes, December 3, 2032.

   
Redemption Notices

Notice of any redemption will be given to DTC at least 10 days but not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date unless otherwise stated herein. Unless the Issuer defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any series of Notes to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Notes, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

The Issuer will advise the Trustee of whether the Notes of any series are listed on a securities exchange and of any requirements of such securities exchange for redemption.

 

 

 

 

Defeasance and Discharge of the Notes (Section 9.03) Applicable.
   
Further Issuances The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the then existing Holders, reopen any series of Notes and issue additional Notes in one or more transactions after the date of the Prospectus Supplement (as defined below) with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the original series of Notes. These additional Notes will be deemed to have been part of the applicable original series of Notes and will provide the Holders of these additional Notes the right to vote together with Holders of the applicable original series of Notes; provided, however, that if these additional Notes are not fungible with the applicable original series of Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Notes will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.
   
Sinking Fund None.
   
Additional Amounts Pursuant to the relevant form of Notes set forth in Exhibits A, B and C hereto, the Issuer may, subject to certain exceptions, be obligated to pay additional amounts.
   
Electronic Execution The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to the Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with the Indenture (including the certificate of authentication, certificate of the Trustee and the Securities (as defined in the Indenture)) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures (e.g., by DocuSign or Adobe Sign), deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper- based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto and thereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means.
   
Other Terms of the Notes The other terms of the Notes shall be substantially as set forth in the Indenture, the relevant form of Notes attached hereto as Exhibits A, B and C, the Prospectus dated May 24, 2021 (the “Prospectus”) relating to the Notes and the Prospectus Supplement dated February 28, 2023 relating to the Notes (the “Prospectus Supplement”).

 

 

 

 

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies that:

 

1.       He or she has read the provisions of the Indenture setting forth covenants and conditions to the Trustee’s execution of the Indenture and authentication and delivery of the Securities and the definitions in the Indenture relating thereto.

 

2.       He or she has examined the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Issuer adopted prior to the date hereof relating to the execution of the Indenture and the authorization, issuance, authentication and delivery of the Securities, such other corporate records of the Issuer, as applicable, and such other documents deemed necessary as a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.

 

3.       In his or her opinion, such examination is sufficient to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not the covenants and conditions referred to above have been complied with.

 

4.       He or she is of the opinion that the covenants and conditions referred to above have been complied with.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has hereunto signed his or her name.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023
 
   /s/ David E. White
  Name: David E. White
  Title: President, Treasurer and Director
 
   /s/ Richard J. Kenny
  Name: Richard J. Kenny
  Title: Secretary

 

[Signature Page - Officers’ Certificate Pursuant to the Indenture]

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.875% Notes due 2028

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

No. 001 U.S.$500,000,000
 
  CUSIP No. 04636NAF0
  ISIN No. US04636NAF06

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2028 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.875% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023
 
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
 
  By: /s/ David. E. White
    Name: David E. White
    Title: President, Treasurer and Director
 
 
  By: /s/ Kevin Durning
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title: Assistant Treasurer and Director

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023  
 
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
   
    By: /s/ David J. O’Brien
    Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

  

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
 
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer
 
  By: /s/ Matthew Bowden
    Name: Matthew Bowden
    Title: Deputy Company Secretary
 

[Signature Page – Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,100,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to February 3, 2028 (1 month prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

(i)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

 

 

 

(ii)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)     any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)    any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)   any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

 

(ix)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)      any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$500,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.875% Notes due 2028

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

No. 002 U.S.$500,000,000
 
  CUSIP No. 04636NAF0
  ISIN No. US04636NAF06

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2028 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.875% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023
 
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
 
  By: /s/ David. E. White
    Name: David E. White
    Title: President, Treasurer and Director
 
  By: /s/ Kevin Durning
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title: Assistant Treasurer and Director

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023  
 
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
 
    By: /s/ David J. O’Brien
    Title: Vice President    

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

  The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
   
   
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer
   
  By: /s/ Matthew Bowden
    Name: Matthew Bowden
    Title: Deputy Company Secretary

 

[Signature Page – Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,100,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to February 3, 2028 (1 month prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

(i)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

 

 

(ii)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)     any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)    any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)   any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

(ix)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)     any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$500,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.875% Notes due 2028

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

No. 003

U.S.$100,000,000

 

CUSIP No. 04636NAF0
ISIN No. US04636NAF06

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of One Hundred Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2028 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.875% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

 

  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
   
   
  By: /s/ David. E. White                      
    Name: David E. White       
    Title:   President, Treasurer and Director
   
  By: /s/ Kevin Durning                          
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title:   Assistant Treasurer and Director

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

 

  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
   
    By: /s/ David J. O’Brien
    Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

 

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
   
   
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade                              
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title:  Group Treasurer
   
   
  By: /s/ Matthew Bowden                          
    Name: Matthew Bowden
    Title:   Deputy Company Secretary

 

[Signature Page — Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,100,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to February 3, 2028 (1 month prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

(i)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

 

 

(ii)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)     any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)    any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)   any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

(ix)     any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)      any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)     any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$100,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.900% Notes due 2030

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

  No.001 U.S.$500,000,000

 

CUSIP No. 04636NAG8
ISIN No. US04636NAG88

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2030 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.900% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

 

  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
       
       
  By: /s/ David. E. White
  Name: David E. White
  Title: President, Treasurer and Director

 

  By: /s/ Kevin Durning
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title: Assistant Treasurer and Director
       

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

     
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee 
     
    By: /s/ David J. O’Brien
    Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
       
       
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer

 

  By: /s/ Matthew Bowden
  Name: Matthew Bowden
  Title: Deputy Company Secretary

 

[Signature Page – Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$650,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to January 3, 2030 (2 months prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

 

 

 

(i)           any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

(ii)          any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)         any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)         any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)          any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)         any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)         any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

 

(ix)          any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)           any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)          any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$500,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.900% Notes due 2030

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

  No.002 U.S.$150,000,000

 

CUSIP No. 04636NAG8

ISIN No. US04636NAG88

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2030 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.900% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

 

  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
   
   
  By: /s/ David. E. White
    Name: David. E. White
    Title:   President, Treasurer and Director
     
  By: /s/ Kevin Durning   
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title:   Assistant Treasurer and Director

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023

     
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
     
  By:   /s/ David J. O’Brien      
  Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

 

 

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
     
     
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
  Name:   Jonathan Slade
  Title:     Group Treasurer
     
  By:  /s/ Matthew Bowden
  Name:  Matthew Bowden
  Title:    Deputy Company Secretary

 

[Signature Page — Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$650,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to January 3, 2030 (2 months prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

 

 

 

(i)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

(ii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)       any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

 

(ix)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)       any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$150,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC

 

4.875% Notes due 2033

 

FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY

ASTRAZENECA PLC

 

No. 001 U.S.$500,000,000
 
  CUSIP No. 04636NAH6
  ISIN No. US04636NAH61

 

ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of Five Hundred Million United States Dollars on March 3, 2033 and to pay interest thereon from and including March 3, 2023 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually in arrears on March 3 and September 3 in each year, commencing September 3, 2023 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), at the rate of 4.875% per annum, to, but excluding, the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture (as defined below), be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for such interest which shall be the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day (as defined below)), as the case may be. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (which shall not be less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 15 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Interest to be paid on the maturity date will be payable to the person to whom the principal will be payable on such date.

 

 

 

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual or pdf or other electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created on an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023
  ASTRAZENECA FINANCE LLC
 
  By: /s/ David. E. White
    Name: David E. White
    Title: President, Treasurer and Director
 
  By: /s/ Kevin Durning
    Name: Kevin Durning
    Title: Assistant Treasurer and Director

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated: March 3, 2023
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
 
    By: /s/ David J. O’Brien
    Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page — Global Note]

 

 

GUARANTY

 

For value received, AstraZeneca PLC, an English public limited company (the “Guarantor,” which term includes any Person as a successor Guarantor under the Indenture referred to in the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed), hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees to the Holder of the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed and to the Trustee on behalf of each such Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and any additional amounts payable in respect of such Security and the due and punctual payment of the sinking fund or analogous payments referred to therein, if any, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms thereof and of the Indenture referred to therein. In case of the failure of AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor Person under such Indenture), to punctually make any such payment of principal, interest or additional amounts or any such sinking fund or analogous payment, the Guarantor hereby agrees to cause any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether on the stated maturity date or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Issuer. The indebtedness evidenced by this Guaranty ranks equally and pari passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Guarantor.

 

The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of such Security or such Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of such Security or such Indenture, or any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of such Security or the Trustee or any other circumstance that may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of a merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to such Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby or with respect to any sinking fund or analogous payment required under such Security and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guaranty will not be discharged except by payment in full of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of such Security. This Guaranty is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holder of such Security and the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation until the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of all Securities of the same series issued under such Indenture shall have been paid in full.

 

By executing this Guaranty, the Guarantor becomes subject to all of the provisions contained in the Indenture applicable to the Guarantor, including without limitation the provisions of Article XII (“Guaranty”).

 

No reference herein to such Indenture and no provision of such Indenture shall alter or impair the guarantees of the Guarantor, which are absolute and unconditional, of the due and punctual payment of the principal of, interest on and additional amounts payable in respect of, and any sinking fund or analogous payments with respect to, the Security upon which this Guaranty is endorsed. This Guaranty shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication of such Security shall have been manually executed by or on behalf of the Trustee under such Indenture. All terms used in this Guaranty that are defined in such Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in such Indenture. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS whereof, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed this 3rd day of March, 2023.

 

  ASTRAZENECA PLC
 
  By: /s/ Jonathan Slade
    Name: Jonathan Slade
    Title: Group Treasurer
 
  By: /s/ Matthew Bowden
    Name: Matthew Bowden
    Title: Deputy Company Secretary

 

[Signature Page — Guaranty of AZ Finance Notes]

 

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, AstraZeneca PLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and to the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Indenture with respect to this Security for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$500,000,000.

 

The Securities of this series are subject to redemption, as a whole or in part, from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, as follows:

 

(i) Prior to December 3, 2032 (3 months prior to the maturity date) (the “Par Call Date”), at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

 

(1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Securities matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

 

(2)100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed,

 

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

(ii) On or after the Par Call Date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

 

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) - H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

 

 

 

 

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 or any successor designation or publication is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

 

The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining, or liability in regards to, whether or not manifest error has occurred.

 

The Issuer will notify the Trustee of the redemption price of any Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for, or liability in regards to, any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of any Securities, or any component thereof, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully-protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer that states such redemption price.

 

In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Securities for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee considers fair and appropriate, subject to any securities exchange requirements and depositary procedures. No Securities of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Securities are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, except in the case of Securities represented by a global security, upon surrender of such Securities, a new Security or Securities, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued. For so long as the Securities are held by DTC, the redemption of the Securities shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of DTC.

 

The Indenture contains provisions to the effect that, in the event of certain tax law changes and other limited circumstances relating to tax matters, the Issuer may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Securities of this series, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

The Issuer will give notice of any redemption it proposes to make to DTC at least 10 days, but no more than 60 days, before the applicable redemption date, unless provided otherwise. Any redemption or notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, at the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer) (even if more than 60 days after the giving of notice of redemption) or the redemption date may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if all such conditions precedent included at the Issuer’s discretion shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer).

 

 

 

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security upon compliance by the Issuer with certain conditions set forth thereon, which provisions apply to this Security.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Issuer may, at its option, at any time and without the consent of the Holders, reopen the Securities of this series and issue additional Securities in one or more transactions with terms (other than the issuance date and, possibly, first Interest Payment Date, original interest accrual date and issue price) identical to the Securities of this series. These additional Securities will be deemed to have been part of the Securities of this series and will provide the Holders of these additional Securities the right to vote together with Holders of the Securities of this series; provided, however, that if these additional Securities are not fungible with the Securities of this series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, these additional Securities will have a different CUSIP or other identifying number.

 

Any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security will be paid without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. The Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction for the Guarantor is the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes (presently, the United Kingdom) and for the Issuer is the United States. If any deduction or withholding for any present or future taxes, levies, imposts or other governmental charges whatsoever imposed, assessed, levied or collected by or for the account of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction of the Issuer or the Guarantor (as applicable) or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantor under this Security, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the Holder with any administrative requirements) pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to the Holder after such deduction or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts to which the Holder was entitled had no such withholding or deduction been required; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor shall be required to make any payment of Additional Amounts for or on account of:

 

 

 

 

(i)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that the Holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) is or has been a domiciliary, national or resident of, or is or has been engaged in a trade or business in, or maintains or has maintained a permanent establishment in, or is or has been physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or otherwise has or has had some connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein other than the holding or ownership of this Security or the collection of principal, premium or interest, if any, on, or the enforcement of, this Security;

 

(ii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the fact that, where presentation is required, this Security was presented more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later;

 

(iii)       any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(iv)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments on or in respect of this Security;

 

(v)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which would not have been so imposed, assessed, levied or collected but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of this Security to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting requirements concerning the Holder’s or the beneficial owner’s nationality, residence, identity or connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, if compliance is required by treaty or by statute, regulation or administrative practice of such jurisdiction or of any such political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein as a condition to relief or exemption from such tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge;

 

(vi)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which the Holder would have been able to avoid by authorizing the paying agent to report information in accordance with the procedure laid down by the relevant tax authority or by producing, in the form requested by the relevant tax authority, a declaration, claim, certificate, document or other evidence establishing exemption therefrom;

 

(vii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is required by Sections 1471 through 1474 (“FATCA”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any current or future U.S. Treasury regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and any other jurisdiction to implement FATCA (an “IGA”), any law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any jurisdiction implementing FATCA or an IGA, or any agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under or with respect to FATCA;

 

(viii)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed or withheld because the Holder of the Security is (1) considered a 10% shareholder (within the meaning of Sections 871(h)(3) or 881(c)(3) of the Code) of the issuer of the Security or (2) a controlled foreign corporation related (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code) to the issuer of the Security;

 

 

 

 

(ix)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed because the Holder (1) is a bank purchasing this Security in the ordinary course of its lending business or (2) is a bank that is neither (A) buying this Security for investment purposes only nor (B) buying this Security for resale to a third party that either is not a bank or will hold the Security for investment purposes only;

 

(x)       any present or future tax, levy, impost or other governmental charge which is imposed, assessed, levied or collected in respect of a payment under or with respect to this Security to any Holder of this Security that is a fiduciary, partnership or a person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment or Security to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, member of that partnership or beneficial owner would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts or would not have been subject to such tax, levy, impost or charge had that beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the actual Holder of this Security; or

 

(xi)       any combination of the exceptions listed above in (i) through (x) above,

 

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid in the event that the obligation to pay Additional Amounts is the result of the issuance of a Security in definitive form to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment is made Securities in definitive form have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantor will remit the full amount of any taxes withheld to the applicable taxing authorities in accordance with the applicable law. The Issuer and the Guarantor will also provide the Trustee with documentation satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any taxes in respect of which the Issuer and the Guarantor have paid Additional Amounts. The Issuer and the Guarantor will provide copies of such documentation to the Holder of this Security upon request.

 

Any reference in the Indenture or this Security to principal, premium or interest in respect of this Security will be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable with respect to such principal, premium or interest under the obligations referred to herein.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantor and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantor with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

 

 

 

As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

Prior to due presentation of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither of the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The initial principal amount of this Security shall be U.S.$500,000,000. The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

Date of
Decrease/Increase
  Decrease in
Principal
Amount
  Increase in
Principal
Amount
  Total Principal
Amount
Following such
Decrease/Increase
  Notation Made
by or on Behalf
of Trustee
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

 

  London
  Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer llp
  100 Bishopsgate
London EC2P 2SR
  T +44 20 7936 4000 (Switchboard)
    +44 20 7832 7022 (Direct)
  F +44 20 7108 7022
  LDE No 23
  E duncan.kellaway@‌freshfields.com
  www.freshfields.com
   
  Doc ID
  267637676
   
  Our Ref
  176042:0003 DEGK

 

AstraZeneca PLC

1 Francis Crick Avenue

Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Cambridge

CB2 0AA

United Kingdom

 

AstraZeneca Finance LLC

1209 Orange Street

Wilmington

Delaware 19801

United States of America

 

3 March 2023

 

AstraZeneca PLC and AstraZeneca Finance LLC

 

Prospectus Supplement to Registration Statement on Form F-3

 

Introduction

 

1.             In connection with the automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (the Registration Statement) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 24 May 2021, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated 28 February 2023 and filed with the SEC on 2 March 2023 (the Prospectus Supplement) of AstraZeneca PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (AstraZeneca), and AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (AstraZeneca Finance), under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), we have been requested to render our opinion on certain matters in connection with the Prospectus Supplement. The Registration Statement and Prospectus Supplement relate to the registration under the Securities Act of the issuance and sale of US$1,100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% fixed rate notes due 2028, US$650,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.900% fixed rate notes due 2030, and US$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% fixed rate notes due 2033, in each case issued by AstraZeneca Finance and unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by AstraZeneca (together the Debt Securities).

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC334789. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 484861). For further regulatory information please refer to www.freshfields.com/support/legal-notice.

 

A list of the members (and of the non-members who are designated as ‘partners’) of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is available for inspection at its registered office, 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2P 2SR. Any reference to a ‘partner’ means a member, or a consultant or employee with equivalent standing and qualifications, of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP or any associated firms or entities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 ï 11

 

2.             We are acting as English legal advisers to you, AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance, for the purposes of giving this opinion. In so acting, we have examined the following documents:

 

(a)the Registration Statement;

 

(b)the Prospectus Supplement;

 

(c)a copy of the pricing agreement dated 28 February 2023 entered into between, among others, AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca Finance, BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Santander Investment Securities Inc. (the Pricing Agreement);

 

(d)a copy of the underwriting agreement of AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca Finance, BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Santander Investment Securities Inc. dated 28 February 2023 (together with the AstraZeneca Finance Pricing Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement);

 

(e)a copy of the current Articles of Association of AstraZeneca as at 3 March 2023 (the Constitutional Documents);

 

(f)a copy of AstraZeneca’s Certificate of Incorporation dated 17 June 1992, issued by the registrar of companies of England and Wales (the Registrar of Companies), together with copies of AstraZeneca’s Certificates of Incorporation on change of name dated 13 July 1992, 25 September 1992, 16 February 1993 and 5 April 1999, respectively;

 

(g)a copy of the indenture dated 28 May 2021 entered into among AstraZeneca Finance , AstraZeneca and the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, under which the Debt Securities are to be issued by AstraZeneca Finance and guaranteed by AstraZeneca (the Indenture);

 

(h)a copy of the guarantee dated 3 March 2023 issued by AstraZeneca under which the Debt Securities will be guaranteed by AstraZeneca (the Guarantee and, together with the Indenture, the Documents);

 

(i)searches carried out on 3 March 2023 with respect to AstraZeneca (carried out by us or by LegalinX Limited trading as GlobalX on our behalf) of the public documents of AstraZeneca kept at Companies House in Cardiff by the Registrar of Companies and also accessible online (the Company Searches);

 

(j)a winding up enquiry of the Central Registry of Winding up Petitions (carried out by us or by GlobalX on our behalf) on 3 March 2023 with respect to AstraZeneca (the Winding-up Enquiry);

 

(k)a certificate issued to us by the Company Secretary of AstraZeneca dated 3 March 2023 (the Secretary’s Certificate);

 

(l)a certificate of an officer of AstraZeneca Finance pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.08 of the Indenture (the AstraZeneca Finance Officers’ Certificates);

 

(m)a certificate of an officer of AstraZeneca pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.08 of the Indenture (collectively with the AstraZeneca Finance Officers’ Certificate, the Officers’ Certificates);

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 ï 11

 

(n)extracts from the minutes of a meeting of the board of directors of AstraZeneca held on 31 January 2023 authorising the issue of up to US$4 billion of term debt by AstraZeneca and / or AstraZeneca Finance, the Guarantee and establishing a finance committee with respect thereto; and

 

(o)extracts from the minutes of a meeting of the finance committee of the board of directors of AstraZeneca held on 20 February 2023 authorising the filing of the Prospectus Supplement, the execution and delivery of and performance of obligations under the Indenture and the execution and delivery of and performance of obligations under, when issued, the Debt Securities and the Guarantee,

 

and relied upon the statements as to factual matters contained in or made pursuant to each of the above mentioned documents.

 

3.             This opinion is confined to matters of English law (including case law) as at the date of this opinion and is governed by and should be construed in accordance with English law. By giving this opinion, we do not assume any obligation to notify you of future changes in law which may affect the opinions expressed in this opinion or otherwise to update this opinion in any respect. Accordingly, we express no opinion herein with regard to any system of law other than the laws of England as currently applied by the English courts. We express no opinion as to whether or not a foreign court (applying its own conflict rules) will act in accordance with the parties’ agreement as to jurisdiction and/or choice of law or uphold the terms of the Documents or the Debt Securities. A reference in this opinion to a statutory provision (including for the avoidance of doubt any onshored EU legislation) is to it as amended.

 

4.             We express no opinion herein in respect of the tax treatment of the above documents or the transactions contemplated by such documents, and you have not relied on any advice from us herein in relation to the tax implications of such matters, for you or any other person, whether in the United Kingdom or in any other jurisdiction, or the suitability of any tax provisions in the above documents.

 

5.             To the extent that the laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York or the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act may be relevant, our opinion is subject to the effect of such laws including the matters contained in the opinion of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, New York office. We express no views in this opinion on the validity of the matters set out in such opinion.

 

Assumptions

 

6.             In considering the above documents and in rendering this opinion we have with your consent and without any further enquiry assumed:

 

(a)Authenticity: (A) the genuineness of all signatures, (B) that a signatory has personally signed the Document either (i) by hand (a wet ink signatory); or (ii) by adding an image or their signature to an electronic version of the Document; or (iii) by adding their signature to an electronic version of the Document on an approved web-based electronic signing platform (an e-platform) contemplated by the parties; or (iv) by using a mouse, finger, stylus or similar to sign their name in an electronic version of the Document on a touchscreen device such as an iPad (each signature referred to in (ii) to (iv) an e-signature, and each signatory referred to in (ii) to (iv) an e-signatory), and (C) the genuineness of all stamps and seals on, and the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of, all documents submitted to us (whether as originals or copies);

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 ï 11

 

(b)Copies: the conformity to originals of all documents supplied to us as photocopies, portable document format (PDF) copies, facsimile copies or e-mail conformed copies;

 

(c)Witnessing: that where a document has been witnessed, each witness has personally witnessed the signature of that document by the person whose signature they are witnessing and has applied their own witness signature or authorised its witness signature to be appended to the final text or any electronic version of the final text of the document only after doing so;

 

(d)Virtual Signings: that the parties have complied with the procedures for counterpart signature and delivery of the Documents provided by us to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, New York Office on 15 February 2023, and that the parties have validly authorised the attachment of their respective signature pages to the final texts of the Documents;

 

(e)Confirmation by Counsel: in any case where a party’s counsel has attached and released the signature pages of that party’s counterparts of the Documents, that such counsel had all necessary authority from that party to do so;

 

(f)Drafts: that, where a document has been examined by us in draft or specimen form, it will be or has been duly executed and delivered in the form of that draft or specimen;

 

(g)Secretary’s Certificate and Officers’ Certificates: that each of the statements contained in the Secretary’s Certificate and Officers’ Certificates is true and correct as at the date hereof;

 

(h)Board Meetings: that the meetings of the board of directors or committees of the board of directors of AstraZeneca were duly convened and held on 31 January 2023 and 20 February 2023, as evidenced by the extracts from the minutes referred to above; at the meetings a quorum of directors was present and acting throughout; the resolutions referred to therein were properly passed at such meetings, that all provisions contained in the Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Association of AstraZeneca relating to the disclosure of directors’ interests and the power of interested directors to vote were duly observed, and that such resolutions in such minutes were duly passed and have not been amended, modified, revoked or rescinded and are in full force and effect; each of the directors of AstraZeneca having any interest in any of the matters discussed at such meetings duly disclosed his interest therein and was entitled to count in the quorum of such meetings and to vote on the resolutions proposed thereat; and such minutes are a true and correct record of the proceedings described therein and the resolutions set out in such minutes remain in full force and effect without modification;

 

(i)Corporate Power: that each of the parties to the Documents (other than AstraZeneca) has the necessary capacity and corporate power to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Documents, and that the Documents have been duly authorised and executed and delivered by each of the parties thereto in accordance with all applicable laws (other than in the case of AstraZeneca, the laws of England) in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 ï 11

 

(j)Validity under all laws: that the Documents and, when issued, the Debt Securities constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the parties thereto enforceable under all applicable laws including the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of New York by which they are expressed to be governed (other than in the case of AstraZeneca, the laws of England); that satisfactory evidence of the laws of the United States and the State of New York, which is required to be pleaded and proved as a fact in any proceedings before the English Courts, could be so pleaded and proved; and that insofar as the laws and regulations of any other jurisdiction may be relevant to (i) the obligations or rights of any of the parties under the Documents, or (ii) any of the transactions contemplated by the Documents, such laws and regulations do not prohibit, and are not inconsistent with, the entering into and performance of any such obligations, rights or transactions;

 

(k)Filings under all laws: that all consents, licences, approvals, notices, filings, recordations, publications and registrations which are necessary under any applicable laws (other than, in the case of AstraZeneca, the laws of England) in order to permit the execution, delivery or performance of the Documents or to perfect, protect or preserve any of the interests created by the Documents, have been made or obtained, or will be made or obtained within the period permitted or required by such laws or regulations;

 

(l)No Amendments: that the Documents have not been amended, terminated, rescinded or varied, that there has been no breach of any of its provisions by any of the parties thereto which would affect the opinions expressed in this opinion, and that the Documents are not affected in any way by any relevant provisions of any other document or agreement or any course of dealings between the parties thereto;

 

(m)Unknown Facts: that there are no facts or circumstances (and no documents, agreements, instruments or correspondence) which are not apparent from the face of the documents we have reviewed or which have not been disclosed to us that may affect the validity or enforceability of the Documents or any obligation therein or otherwise affect the opinions expressed in this opinion;

 

(n)Arm’s Length Terms: that the Documents have been entered into for bona fide commercial reasons and on arm’s length terms by each of the parties thereto;

 

(o)Directors’ Duties: that the directors of AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance in authorising the filing of the Registration Statement and the execution and delivery of and performance of obligations under the Documents and, when issued, the Debt Securities have exercised their powers in accordance with their duties under all applicable laws and the Constitutional Documents of AstraZeneca and constitutional documents of AstraZeneca Finance, as applicable, in force at the applicable time;

 

(p)FSMA: that the sale of the Debt Securities or the consummation by AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance of the transactions contemplated by the Documents (as relevant) will not constitute an “offer to the public” within the meaning of Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA);

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 ï 11

 

(q)Authorisation under FSMA: that each person dealing with AstraZeneca and/or AstraZeneca Finance in connection with the Debt Securities which is carrying on, or purporting to carry on, a regulated activity (within the meaning of section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) is an authorised person or an exempt person for the purposes of the FSMA;

 

(r)FSMA (Financial promotion): that the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement (including any such document in draft and preliminary form) and any other invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the Debt Securities has only been and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to AstraZeneca and/or AstraZeneca Finance;

 

(s)Company Searches: that the information revealed by the Company Searches: (i) was accurate in all respects and has not since the time of such search been altered; and (ii) was complete, and included all relevant information which had been properly submitted to the Registrar of Companies;

 

(t)Winding up Enquiry: that the information revealed by our Winding-up Enquiry was accurate in all respects and has not since the time of such enquiry been altered;

 

(u)Representations: that the terms of the Documents and Underwriting Agreement, other than, in the case of the Underwriting Agreement, as to matters of law on which we opine in this opinion, have been and will be observed and performed by the parties thereto;

 

(v)Financial crime, national security and investment, antitrust and criminal cartel, sanctions, pensions and human rights, etc.: that the parties to the Documents and all persons representing them have complied (and will continue to comply) with all applicable anti-terrorism, national security and investment laws, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, anti-tax evasion, other financial crime, civil or criminal antitrust, cartel, competition, public procurement, state aid, anti-subsidy, sanctions pensions and human rights laws and regulations which may affect the Documents, and that performance and enforcement of the Documents is, and will continue to be, consistent with all such laws and regulations; and

 

(w)Bad Faith, Fraud, Duress: the absence of bad faith, breach of duty, breach of trust, fraud, coercion, duress or undue influence on the part of any of the parties to the Documents and their respective directors, employees, agents and advisers (excepting ourselves).

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 ï 11

 

Opinion

 

7.             On the basis of and subject to the foregoing and the matters set out in paragraphs 8 to 11 below and any matters not disclosed to us, and having regard to such considerations of English law in force, as at the date of this letter as we consider relevant, we are of the opinion that:

 

(a)Corporate Existence: AstraZeneca has been duly incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales as a public limited company;

 

(b)Corporate Power: AstraZeneca has the requisite corporate power and capacity to issue, deliver and perform its obligations under, when issued, the Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Guarantee and the Indenture;

 

(c)Corporate Authority: AstraZeneca has taken steps required under English law and its Constitutional Documents to authorise AstraZeneca to enter into and perform its obligations under, when issued, the Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

 

(d)No Violation: the execution and delivery of the Documents and the performance of AstraZeneca’s obligations thereunder (in accordance with the terms of the relevant Document) have been duly authorised by all necessary corporate action on the part of AstraZeneca and do not and will not of themselves result in any violation by AstraZeneca of any term of its Constitutional Documents or of any law or regulation having the force of law in England and applicable to AstraZeneca as to performance.

 

Qualifications

 

8.             Our opinion is subject to the following qualifications:

 

(a)Company Searches: the Company Searches are not capable of revealing conclusively whether or not:

 

(i)a winding-up order has been made or a resolution passed for the winding-up of a company; or

 

(ii)an administration order has been made; or

 

(iii)a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator or liquidator has been appointed; or

 

(iv)a court order has been made under the Cross-Border Insolvency Regulations 2006,

 

since notice of these matters may not be filed with the Registrar of Companies immediately and, when filed, may not be immediately entered on the public records of the relevant company.

 

In addition, the Company Searches are not capable of revealing, prior to the making of the relevant order or the appointment of an administrator otherwise taking effect, whether or not a winding-up petition or an application for an administration order has been presented or notice of intention to appoint an administrator under paragraphs 14 or 22 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 has been filed with the court;

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 ï 11

 

(b)Winding up Enquiry: the Winding-up Enquiry relates only to the presentation of: (i) a petition for the making of a winding-up order or the making of a winding-up order by the court, (ii) an application to the High Court of Justice in London for the making of an administration order and the making by such court of an administration order, (iii) a notice of intention to appoint an administrator or a notice of appointment of an administrator filed at the High Court of Justice in London, and (iv) a notice of a moratorium under Part A1 of the Insolvency Act 1986. It is not capable of revealing conclusively whether or not such a winding-up petition, application for an administration order, notice of intention or notice of appointment has been presented or winding-up or administration order granted, because;

 

(i)details of a winding-up petition or application for an administration order may not have been entered on the records of the Central Registry of Winding-up Petitions immediately;

 

(ii)in the case of (A) an application for the making of an administration order, (B) the filing of a notice of intention to appoint an administrator; (C) the filing of a notice of appointment of an administrator, (D) the filing of a notice of a moratorium, if such application is made to, order made by or notice filed with, a court other than the High Court of Justice in London, no record of such application, order or notice will be kept by the Central Registry of Winding-up Petitions;

 

(iii)a winding-up order or administration order may be made before the relevant petition or application has been entered on the records of the Central Registry, and the making of such order may not have been entered on the records immediately;

 

(iv)details of a notice of intention to appoint an administrator or a notice of appointment of an administrator under paragraphs 14 and 22 of Schedule B1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 and details of a notice of moratorium under Part A1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 may not be entered on the records immediately (or, in the case of a notice of intention to appoint, at all); and

 

(v)with regard to winding-up petitions, the Central Registry of Winding-up Petitions may not have records of winding-up petitions issued prior to 1994;

 

(c)Choice of Foreign Law: the chosen laws are the laws of the laws of the State of New York.

 

(i)the Documents could be modified by the English courts to the extent provided by and in the circumstances set out in Regulation (EC) No 593/2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations (the Rome I Regulation). In addition, we express no opinion as to the choice of the laws of United States or the State of New York to govern contractual obligations falling outside the scope of the Rome I Regulation; and

 

(ii)certain trusts could be modified by the English courts to the extent provided by and in the circumstances set out in the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts and their Recognition, as enacted by the Recognition of Trusts Act 1987;

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 ï 11

 

(d)Foreign Courts: no opinion is given as to whether or not the chosen court will take jurisdiction (applying its own conflict rules), or act in accordance with the parties’ agreement as to choice of law or whether the English courts would grant a stay of any proceedings commenced in England, or whether the English courts would grant any ancillary relief in relation to proceedings commenced in a foreign court;

 

(e)Choice of Foreign Jurisdiction: this opinion, and the term “enforceable” as used above, is not to be taken to imply that any obligation would necessarily be capable of enforcement in all circumstances in accordance with its terms. In particular:

 

(i)an English court will not necessarily grant any remedy the availability of which is subject to equitable considerations or which is otherwise in the discretion of the court. In particular, orders for specific performance and injunctions are, in general, discretionary remedies under English law and specific performance is not available where damages are considered by the court to be an adequate alternative remedy;

 

(ii)claims may become barred under the Limitation Act 1980 or the Foreign Limitation Periods Act 1984 or may be or become subject to the defence of set off or to counterclaim;

 

(iii)where obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction outside England, they may not be enforceable in England to the extent that performance would be illegal under the laws, or contrary to the exchange control regulations, of the other jurisdiction;

 

(iv)the enforcement of obligations may be limited by the provisions of English law applicable to agreements held to have been frustrated by events happening after their execution;

 

(v)enforcement of obligations may be invalidated by reason of fraud; and

 

(vi)the enforcement of obligations may be limited or excluded by the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998;

 

(f)Financial Limitations: no opinion is given as to the compliance or otherwise with: (i) the financial limitations on borrowings or covenants by AstraZeneca contained in the Constitutional Documents of AstraZeneca; and (ii) the limitations on the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities which may be issued by AstraZeneca Finance and unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by AstraZeneca as contemplated by the Registration Statement; and

 

(g)Insolvency: this opinion is subject to all applicable laws relating to insolvency, bankruptcy, administration, moratorium, reorganisation, liquidation or analogous circumstances and other similar laws of general application relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditor’s rights and remedies from time to time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 ï 11

 

Observations

 

9.             Factual Statements: it should be understood that we have not been responsible for investigating or verifying the accuracy of the facts, including the statements of foreign law, or the reasonableness of any statement or opinion or intention contained in or relevant to any document referred to herein, or that no material facts have been omitted therefrom. This opinion is also given on the basis that we undertake no responsibility to notify you of any change in English law after the date of this opinion.

 

10.           Pensions: in giving this opinion, we have not considered whether the transactions contemplated by or effected in connection with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement and the Documents might constitute a criminal offence or otherwise attract criminal liability under the amendments made by the UK Pension Schemes Act 2021 to the UK Pensions Act 2004.

 

11.           National Security & Investment Act 2021: we have not considered whether the transactions contemplated by or effected in connection with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement and the Documents comply with the National Security & Investment Act 2021, nor whether any filings, clearances, notifications or disclosures are required or advisable under such law.

 

Benefit of Opinion

 

12.           This opinion is addressed to you solely for your own benefit for the purposes of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus Supplement to be filed under the Securities Act and, except with our prior written consent, is not to be transmitted or disclosed to or used or relied upon by any other person or used or relied upon by you for any other purpose. Your reliance on the matters addressed in this opinion letter is on the basis that any associated recourse is against the firm’s assets only and not against the personal assets of any individual partner. The firm’s assets for this purpose consist of all assets of the firm’s business, including any right of indemnity of the firm or its partners under the firm’s professional indemnity insurance policies, but excluding any right to seek contribution or indemnity from or against any partner of the firm or person working for the firm or similar right. The restrictions in the previous sentences apply to any claim, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, but they do not apply in the case of our wilful misconduct or fraud or where and to the extent prohibited by applicable law and regulation (including without limitation, the rules of professional responsibility governing the practice of law).

 

Having requested production of this opinion and in order to rely on its contents, you agree to be bound by its terms.

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the report on Form 6-K to be filed by AstraZeneca on the date hereof and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Validity of the Notes” in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by the Securities Act or by the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 ï 11

 

Yours faithfully  
   
   
/s/ Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP  
   
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 5.2

 

   
     
     
    New York
     
    601 Lexington Avenue, 31st Floor
    New York, NY 10022
     
    T +1 (212) 277-4000
    T +1 (212) 284-4926 (direct)
    F +1 (646) 521-5726
    E valerie.jacob@freshfields.com
       michael.levitt@freshfields.com
     
    freshfields.us
     

 

AstraZeneca PLC

1 Francis Crick Avenue

Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Cambridge CB2 0AA

United Kingdom

 

AstraZeneca Finance LLC

1209 Orange Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

United States of America

 

March 3, 2023

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We are acting as counsel to AstraZeneca PLC, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (AstraZeneca), and AstraZeneca Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (AstraZeneca Finance), in connection with the offering of $1,100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% fixed rate notes due 2028, $650,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.900% fixed rate notes due 2030 and $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.875% fixed rate notes due 2033 in each case issuable by AstraZeneca Finance (collectively, the Notes) which are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed (the Guarantee) by AstraZeneca (in such capacity, the Guarantor). The Notes and the Guarantee are being issued pursuant to the indenture dated as of May 28, 2021 (the Indenture) by and among AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca Finance and the Trustee.

 

This opinion is confined to the law of the State of New York, the federal law of the United States of America and, to the extent relevant to the opinions expressed herein, the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. Accordingly, we express no opinion herein with regard to any other laws. The opinions expressed herein are limited to the matters stated herein, and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. We do not undertake to advise you of changes in law or facts that may come to our attention after the date of this letter.

 

 

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is an international legal practice operating through Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (a partnership registered in Hong Kong), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Law office, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Foreign Law Office, Studio Legale associato a Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater PartG mbB, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB and other associated entities and undertakings. For further regulatory information please refer to www.freshfields.com/support/legal-notice.

 

 

2ï5

 

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the following documents and agreements:

 

(a)the registration statement on Form F-3ASR relating to the registration of the debt securities of AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on May 24, 2021 (as amended through the date hereof, and together with the documents incorporated by reference therein, the Registration Statement);

 

(b)the prospectus relating to the Notes dated May 24, 2021 (the Base Prospectus), as supplemented by the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the Notes dated February 28, 2023 (together with the Base Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein, the Preliminary Prospectus);

 

(c)the final prospectus supplement relating to the Notes dated February 28, 2023 (together with the Base Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein, the Prospectus);

 

(d)the Underwriting Agreement dated February 28, 2023 among AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca Finance, BofA Securities, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC (the Underwriting Agreement);

 

(e)the Pricing Agreement dated February 28, 2023, related to the issuance of the Notes (the Pricing Agreement);

 

(f)the Indenture;

 

(g)the Officers’ Certificate of AstraZeneca Finance dated March 3, 2023, pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.08 of the Indenture (the AstraZeneca Finance Officers’ Certificate);

 

(h)the Officers’ Certificate of the Guarantor dated March 3, 2023 (the Guarantor Officers’ Certificate and, together with the AstraZeneca Finance Officers’ Certificate, the Officers’ Certificates);

 

(i)the global notes representing the Notes (the Global Notes);

 

(j)the Guarantee whose terms are set forth in the Indenture and the Guarantor Officers’ Certificate (the Guarantee and, together with the Underwriting Agreement, the Pricing Agreements, the AstraZeneca Indenture, the Indenture, the Global Notes and the Officers’ Certificates, the Operative Documents);

 

(k)a copy of the Certificate of Formation of AstraZeneca Finance dated May 6, 2021 issued by the State of Delaware;

 

(l)a copy of the Operating Agreement of AstraZeneca Finance dated May 6, 2021; and

 

(m)the resolutions of the board of directors of AstraZeneca Finance dated February 20, 2023.

 

In addition, we have examined and have relied as to matters of fact upon such corporate and other records, agreements, documents and other instruments and certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance and such other persons, and we have made such other investigations, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below.

 

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with authentic originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied, without independent verification, upon oral or written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of AstraZeneca and AstraZeneca Finance, including, without limitation, the Officers’ Certificates.

 

 

 

 

3ï5

 

In rendering the opinions set forth herein, we have assumed further that (a) AstraZeneca is validly existing and in good standing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it has been organized and has full power and authority to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (b) the Indenture and the Guarantee have each been authorized, executed and delivered by AstraZeneca; (c) the Indenture and the Notes are each valid, binding and enforceable agreements of the Trustee; (d) the execution, delivery and performance by AstraZeneca of the Indenture and the Guarantee does not violate the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was organized or constitute a breach or violation of AstraZeneca’s organizational documents or any agreement or instrument to which AstraZeneca is a party or which is binding upon it; and (e) the execution, delivery and performance by AstraZeneca Finance of the Indenture and the Notes does not constitute a breach or violation of any agreement or instrument to which AstraZeneca Finance is a party or which is binding upon it.

 

To the extent that the laws of the United Kingdom may be relevant, our opinion is subject to the effect of such laws including the matters contained in the opinion of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. We express no views in this opinion on the validity of the matters set forth in such opinion.

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and subject also to the comments and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such questions of law as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.The Notes have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by AstraZeneca Finance and, assuming due authentication thereof by the Trustee and upon payment and delivery in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of AstraZeneca Finance, enforceable against AstraZeneca Finance in accordance with their terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

 

2.Assuming due authentication of the Notes by the Trustee and upon payment for and delivery of the Notes in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, the Guarantee will constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of AstraZeneca, enforceable against AstraZeneca in accordance with its terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

 

Our opinions expressed above are subject to (A)(1) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (2) the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including without limitation (a) the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy and (b) concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and (B) limitations on the right to indemnity and contribution under applicable law and public policy. In addition, we express no opinion as to the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any waiver of immunity, any waiver of a right to trial by jury or any provisions relating to partial unenforceability.

 

 

 

 

4ï5

 

In addition, the opinions set forth above are subject to the following qualifications:

 

(A)We express no opinion as to the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any provision of the Operative Documents:

 

(i)related to (a) forum selection or submission to jurisdiction (including, without limitation, any waiver of any objection to venue in any court or of any objection that a court is an inconvenient forum) to the extent that the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any provision is to be determined by any court other than a court of the State of New York, or (b) choice of governing law to the extent that the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any such provision is to be determined by any court other than a court of the State of New York or a federal district court sitting in the State of New York, in each case, applying the law and choice of law principles of the State of New York;

 

(ii)specifying that provisions thereof may be waived only in writing, to the extent that an oral agreement or an implied agreement by trade practice or course of conduct has been created that modifies any provision of such agreement; and

 

(iii)purporting to give any person or entity the power to accelerate obligations without any notice to the obligor.

 

(B)The opinions expressed above are subject to the effect of, and we express no opinions herein as to, the application of state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws or any rules or regulations thereunder.

 

(C)Provisions in the Guarantee and the Indenture that provide that the Guarantor’s liability thereunder shall not be affected by (i) actions or failures to act on the part of the recipient, the holders or the Trustee, (ii) amendments or waivers of provisions of documents governing the guaranteed obligations or (iii) other actions, events or circumstances that make more burdensome or otherwise change the obligations and liabilities of AstraZeneca, might not be enforceable under circumstances and in the event of actions that change the essential nature of the terms and conditions of the guaranteed obligations. With respect to AstraZeneca, we have assumed that consideration that is sufficient to support the agreements of AstraZeneca under the Operative Documents has been received by AstraZeneca.

 

(D)We express no opinion as to the submission to the jurisdiction of United States federal courts insofar as it relates to the subject matter jurisdiction of any United States federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, to adjudicate any controversy related to the Indenture or any document related thereto. In connection with provisions which relate to forum selection (including, without limitation, any waiver of any objection to venue or any objection that a court is an inconvenient forum), we note that under NYCPLR §510 a New York State court may have discretion to transfer the place of trial, and under 28 U.S.C. §1404(a) a U.S. district court has discretion to transfer an action from one U.S. federal court to another, and we also note that a New York State court and a U.S. federal court may dismiss an action on the ground that such court is an improper venue or inconvenient forum.

 

 

 

 

5ï5

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the report on Form 6-K to be filed by AstraZeneca on or about the date hereof and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Validity of the Notes” in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by the Securities Act or by the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,  
   
/s/ Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP  
   
   
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP